pedalb0y

UK

John-Paul started playing Hammond organ at the age of 10, influenced by his late father who was an organ player and music enthusiast. He had always been exposed to jazz by his father, playing in the car as they toured the country with his job selling jewellery. Only 8 months from starting his first organ lessons with Alan Woodley, John-Paul won the UK competition “Home Organist of the Year”. Alan was a  key musical influence great friend until he sadly passed away in 2020. John-Paul took a job in his local organ shop, where he met some of the finest players and demonstrators in the business, and played many concerts. This exposure to the best Hammond organists enabled John-Paul to develop his own style - also heavily influenced by Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff and Joey DeFrancesco. His other influences are Errol Garner, Oscar Peterson, Harry Stoneham, Curt Prina, Max Takano, George Flurey, Tony Pegler Keith Evans, and Alan Haven.