Biography John Hart

A fixture on the New York music scene for the last 20 years, guitarist John Hart has distinguished himself both as a recording artist and bandleader and as a sideman whose credits span the spectrum of the many genres of jazz.

From mainstream to free improvisation, blues to funk, John's ease at negotiating the demands of any idiom is evidenced by a look at some of his musical associations. Known for his longtime tenure with Hammond B3 organ master Jack McDuff (a great judge of guitarists whose previous plectrists include George Benson, Pat Martino and Mark Whitfield), John has also worked with cutting edge and rising young stars such as Brian Blade, Larry Goldings, Chris Potter and Javon Jackson.

John is a composer of merit with 6 CDs as a leader for Hepjazz, Concord and Blue Note. Add this to the 60 some CDs he has appeared on as a sideman, performances at many of the major jazz festivals and clubs internationally, television appearances and radio shows, and it's obvious to see why John Hart has become a familiar name with jazz fans worldwide.

Since arriving in New York in 1984 John has performed and/or recorded with Jack McDuff, Terumasa Hino, Jimmy Smith, Lou Donaldson, James Moody, Jon Hendricks, Brian Blade, Javon Jackson, Bob Belden, Chris Potter, Larry Goldings, The Maria Schneider Orchestra, Rick Margitza, Joey Defranscesco, Bob Berg, Randy Brecker, Harvie Swartz, Jaki Byard, Nick Brignola, Ira Sullivan, Mike Manieri, Jim Pepper, Bill Bruford, Bernard Purdie, Clark Terry, David "Fathead" Newman, Hank Crawford, Nnenna Freelon.

He has also appeared on a number of pop recordings, sound tracks for television including HBO's Sex in City, numerous jingles and in the late 1980's was a member of the house band at the famous Apollo Theater in Harlem.

John is an endorser for D'Addario strings and has been on their artist's roster for the past 12 years.

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