Tel: 07734691396 | Mail: drummerblackburn@hotmail.com
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Biography
John began playing drums whilst at Framwellgate School Durham. At that time the music department was well known locally for its wide range
and high quality of ensembles and musical opportunities, thanks largely to the then head of music, Gerald Ions.
Whilst there, John would perform in the brass band, orchestra, choir and jazz band in weekly rehearsals and regular concerts.
Also whilst at school, John began rehearsing and performing with a range of ensembles run by the Durham Music Service, including the
wind ensemble, orchestra and big band. Between school and county ensembles, he would have the opportunity to tour Malta and USA. (Twice)
When he was 16, John had the opportunity to begin studying drums with Geoff Hutchinson, and it was whilst studying with Geoff that John decided
that a professional career in music was for him. A three year degree in Jazz Studies at the Leeds College of Music (LCM) followed.
Whilst at LCM, he would study with Tony Mann, Ronnie Bottomley and Nick Katuszonek, and receive ensemble tuition from Al Wood, Tony Faulkner and
Mark Donlon amongst others. He also performed in the 'house band' for various visiting artists including Tina May, Alan Barnes, Lee Gibson, Bruce Adams, Django Bates
and with the Conservatoires UK big band featuring Tim Garland and compositions by Bob Mintzer and others.
On leaving college, John performed across the country with a number of different bands and singers, made various recordings of both original and cover tunes,
and held teaching positions with various schools and local authorities, having the opportunity to teach beside his mentor Geoff Hutchinson in Northumberland
for a year, and then teaching for the Durham Music service, where he had received so much of his early musical information.
John would then go on to travel the world playing drums on cruise ships for P+O cruises, first in the 7 piece orchestra, then through the 5 piece
'reading' pop band and eventually to the trio, finishing his time with P+O as trio MD, backing production shows and visiting cabaret.
John has now returned to the UK, living in London, and is currently involved in a large number of different projects,
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