Biography of John Shipley

Growing up in the wild, wild, west of northern Nevada, John Shipley, at four years of age, put away his cowboy hat and began diligently studying piano. Today his multiple hats are those of an innovative jazz pianist, conductor, arranger, songwriter, producer, and recording artist. As a founding member of the groundbreaking Jazz-Fusion group Hiroshima (Epic Records), he grew as a keyboardist and arranger and ultimately developed his current musical style.

"SHIPPED”, John’s latest CD release features sophisticated, urban sounds with some of the world’s finest jazz musicians lending their talents to the album. The line-up includes friends, Dan and June Kuramoto (from Hiroshima), Larry Klimas, (sax player with Manhattan Transfer and Tony Williams), Randy Hall (guitarist/vocals with the Miles Davis Band), Alex Acuna (drummer/percussionist from Weather Report), Greg Wright (producer/keyboardist for Diana Ross, Natalie Cole and Marvin Gaye), and jazz bassist, Abe Laboriel. The resulting synergies blossom on the album’s ten tracks, eight of which were penned by Shipley.

Recent concerts include the Scandinavian and European tour of the Funk Brothers, a guest appearance with George Clinton in London, several concerts with chart-topping jazz saxophonist Michael Lington and Roberto Vally (bassist for Spyro Gyra and songwriter with Bob James and Rick Braun), opening for Grammy winning jazz flutist Nestor Torres and a reunion with Dan and June Kuramoto for a “Jazzmas” concert. Also June performed with John in a truly memorable acoustic concert entitled "Koto and Keyboards". Showing his versatility John successfully entertained the crowds at a Rhythm and Ribs Festival in Sacramento and as the opener for 70’s favorites Firefall and Al Stewart.

John’s release, "SHIPPED," as well as his solo debut, "dance of the jacaranda tree," both reflect the passionate enthusiasm of his disparate musical travels. Shipley is using his fine-tuned musical chops on his own pulsating, trailblazing jazz for the new millennium. As a producer and artist, he knows the drill and is willing to work hard to make it happen. He says, tongue-in-cheek, "I’m ready to become an overnight sensation".

PRESS KIT

Biography
- Download John's Bio as a PDF
Press Photographs
Acclaim
- Read reviews and acclaim for John Shipley
MP3 Radio Edits
- Dancing Waters - Radio Edit
- If You're Not Callin' You're Askin' - Radio Edit

John Shipley with George Clinton & Angelo Earle after London concert together

John Shipley with Jack Ashford and the Funk Brothers Band - Amsterdam, NL 2008

Jazzmas was performed after the cancellation of the Tahoe Jazz Festival due to the events of 9/11.

John was a founding member of the jazz fusion group Hiroshima.. Pictured here with founders June & Dan Kuramoto during the recording session for Dancing Waters.

John with Nestor Torres

John, Abe Laboriel & Greg Wright