John Liquori hails from Springfield, Mass. He is a professional performing/recording guitarist who began playing at the age of 19 studying jazz and blues guitar while attending Holyoke Community College, in 1989. He gigged around New England in 1990 and 1991, in organist Shelton Laster’s quartet (recorded with Grant Green-Live at The LightHouse) which also included tenor saxophonist Chuck Langford and drummer Kevin Sharpe. Relocating to New York City in 1991, Liquori enrolled at New School University, where he studied guitar with Ted Dunbar, Gene Bertoncini, Peter Bernstein and one memorable lesson with Jim Hall, earning a bachelors degree in 1994. After working in the early 1990s with bassist Andy Gonzalez, John began leading a weekend brunch jam at Cafe Pick-Me-Up, a gig which is now in its 11th year of showcasing outstanding emerging jazz talent. Alumni of the group include Tom Abbs, Bernard Rosat, Aaron Johnson, Evan Schwam, Todd Nicholson, and Bosco. Come by, have some coffee and breakfast, and drink in some jazz while you are at it.
John has been on several international tours; notable overseas venues he has played include The Melkweg (Amsterdam), The Jazz Cafe (London), The Fandango Jazz Festival (Rome), and the premier UK music festival, Glastonbury. He has fun touring and is looking forward to more activities. "I enjoy [playing various styles]," Liquori says. "music makes a strong statement, while setting a party mood, to get people up and dancing, and enjoying life." John brings full harmony, sure rhythm, and subtle dynamics to the table. Like so many of today's guitarists he cites Grant Green as a primary influence. "I just try to be sincere and play from the heart," he explains. "I think if you do that, everything else will follow." He is also currently recording tracks for his debut solo effort, which will include special guest performers. In 2005, John made his movie debut, appearing in director Robert Flanagan's Bird In The Sky, and contributing original music to the films soundtrack. John is available for gigs, tours, lessons, and recordings.
HotHouse-Chicago, IL. April 2006
Check out the video page for more live shots...
