John Pedersen is a contemporary keyboardist from Southern California. He expresses his individuality as a composer in a variety of genres such as smooth jazz, chill out lounge, funk, Latin influenced rock, solo piano and electronica. Infectious melodies padded by a lush soundscape anchored by a hip rhythm section are some ways to describe John's style. Hypnotic grooves and inspired musicianship are another. John writes instrumental music designed to connect emotionally with the listener. It has what is known as the "wow" effect. It touches you deeply and lifts you. Along with John's multi-keyboard approach, superb guest musicians on sax, flute, guitar, bass and drums are featured. The result is a full band sound that just flat out sizzles and rocks. John spent many years in a variety of situations including stints with rock and country bands, a long career as a church organist and accompanying singers and choirs. Along with those musical experiences, lessons and college groomed John into a well rounded player. This eclecticism is reflected in the diversity found on John's five albums. "White Owl" (1997) was a journey into new age mysticism, while "Legend & Landscape" (1999) had elements of ambient and Native American styles as it explored the myths and legends of the desert. "When Sun Broke Through" (2002) was an inspiring collection of tunes with a more jazz-rock feel, but the 2006 release, "Paradise", was really getting ensconced in smooth jazz and groove oriented electronica, with several beautiful solo piano tracks thrown in for good measure. "Groovidi" (2007), continued the influence of contemporary jazz in earnest, along with funk, solo piano and even Latin flamenco: underscoring John's interest in all manner of great music. "Afterthoughts", from the Groovidi album won an award in Germany (October 2009) and was subsequently included on a sampler of piano music, entitled, "Acoustic Visions". In Spring 2010, an ambient-chill tune, "Time Wave Zero" was released, and most recently, a funky-jazzy groove oriented single, "Groovemaster", was released on July 27, 2010. When John isn't recording, he teaches a small army of students the joys of piano playing.

http://www.findingparadisejazz.com

Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis, Vince Guaraldi, The Beatles, Todd Rundgren, Chick Corea, Keith Emerson, The Rippingtons, Boney James, Paul Taylor, Steve Cole, Chris Standring, Rodney Lee, Mindi Abair, Steve Oliver, Slim Man, Bona Fide, Down to the Bone, Peter White, Nils, Tony Remy, Norman Brown, David Benoit, Jeff Lorber, Dave Koz, Marc Antoine, Richard Elliot, Rick Braun and many, many more!

I'm very much into hiking out in nature and enjoying God's creation. My wife and I have a fabulous time attending smooth jazz concerts, dining out and sampling good wine. We also like watching the Food Network, Animal Planet, The Weather Channel, Home Improvement Extreme Makeover and Discovery Channel.

JOHN PEDERSEN

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