Arespected and established performer, composer, teacher and instrument maker, John grew up steeped in the traditions of Southern England. His unique playing style and compositions convey a deep understanding and passion for indigenous culture. Three of the albums John recently recorded and performed on have been in The Times Top 10 Folk/Roots albums of the year. Playing the Viola d’Amore tuned to his own unique tuning, John composes and also rewrites melodies from manuscripts, breathing new life into tunes that have been overlooked and uncelebrated for too long.

As an experienced workshop leader and teacher, John’s knowledge, experience and enthusiasm combine to make him a much sought-after tutor in academic institutions, festivals, music-camps and academies. He has taught at venues and events including the Australian National Festival, Sidmouth Festival, Ashokan, Goldsmiths University and regularly teaches on the Folk Music degree course at Newcastle University, the World Irish Music MA Course at Limerick University and Southampton University.

John’s passion for vernacular music led to his degree dissertation focussing on the interpretation of field recordings, looking at intonation, tuning and expression. With his knowledge of the construction and physics behind the workings of the violin and concertina, and his musical knowledge and approach, he is able to offer a unique insight into the world of music and music making.

John has recorded on several films including the Hobbit, as well as the TV series Poldark. He currently performs with the groundbreaking duo Dipper Malkin, in the trio Alma with Adrian Lever and Emily Askew, in a duo with superb singer and guitarist James Patterson, the highly acclaimed Emily Askew Band, and with Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer in Purcell’s Polyphonic Party. John is also working with the much vaunted storyteller Nick Hennessey on various projects.

Since returning to the UK in 2014, John has been involved with 5 new albums, personally recording, editing and producing, Alma Varieties, Dipper Malkin’s Tricks of the Trade, and The Emily Askew Band CD Alchemy.

John also works with renowned storytellers Hugh Lupton and Nick Hennessey, and has taken part in many international collaborations with artists from France, Sweden, Quebec, France, Ireland, America, Hong kong, China, The Gambia and Finland.

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