History
John was raised on music. At an early age he began taking accordion lessons on the recommendation of his grandfather. This was definitely not his instrument of choice. By the age of 11 he acquired a beat up guitar from a friend. This was the beginning of his passion for the guitar. He went to a Catholic school and was performing readily in the church group during sixth through eight grades.
In his High School years he tried again and again to set up “the perfect band”. Finally, in his senior year he hooked up with a group of guys from different schools to form a band that lasted 10 years. They performed at weddings, parties and then ended up in the lounge/bar circuit. The band was called “Rights To Eternity” in the early days and ended as “R.T.E” They recorded a 45 record called “Ken’s Bungalow Boogie” in honor of one of their favorite places to play. After the “R.T.E.” era, he continued on to play in local bands like: “Windy City Nights”, “Anything Goes”, even a Flute and Guitar Duo, “Just The 2 Of Us”.
While this was going on, he took other types of jobs like performing in pit orchestra for musicals. Some titles were: “Chess”, “Evita”, “Jesus Christ Superstar”, “Me and My Girl”, “Metropolis”......many more. His love for the guitar just kept growing. He has also performed at many events like “Taste Of Chicago” and other local feasts. John even appeared on Television in four episodes of the series "The Untouchables", which was filmed in Chicago. He also made it on one episode of "Cupid."
He studied both electric and classical guitar at Roosevelt University in Chicago. He first began giving guitar lessons at the age of 20. He went to a local music store to take lessons. Within a month, he was offered a job giving lessons. He took it. He worked there for three years and then went on his own to establish “The Music Loft.”
One of the latest quests he set out for, was to perform on a cruise ship. He accomplished this mission and set sail from November 2004 through April 2005. He was in the show band of the ms Volendam for Holland America lines. He then set sail again in 2007 aboard the ms Veendam for a three week gig. He had the honor to play with some of the finest musicians in the world. Musicians from Russia, Poland, Canada, Scotland . . . the list continues.
While on his Cruising Adventure, John met Nicci Rousseau. Nicci was interested in setting up a music store in South Africa, her home. So, lo' and behold, The Music Loft opens it's doors in SA. While there, John performed with some local musicians, again, some of the best in the world!
From 1994 to 2005 he has been recorded on 12 CD projects. His music has been heard in over 16 countries. He has written and co-written numerous songs.
Besides his solo work, John is currently working with four groups in and around Chicago. One of them is "Johnny Chicago & Friends". This group consists of a Violinist, Randy Mollner and a Bassist, Bill Zakavek. On occasion Aaron Allan joins the group when drums are needed. The style of music is based on Jazz Standards. However, by using the violin as part of the instrumentation, it takes on a unique sound.
One of the other groups is called "Whispering Joe". This band is purely a "ROCK BAND", by all definitions. All electric, exciting, fun with many COOL TUNES!! This group has been playing at MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) Tournaments in Il. The mission is to "Fire Up The Crowd", and they do just that!! The members are: Joe Gniadek (whispering Joe) on guitar and vocals, Ed O'Boyle on Bass and Noel Narrajos on Drums.
The third is called "Capt'n Groovy". This one is a 15 piece band with a four piece horn section. It plays 70's disco and funk music. John has now come full circle! The first gig with them was on April 7, 2007 in LaSalle, Il. to a crowd of 500+!! What a rush of energy it was!
The most recent is called "The Southern Course Band". This one is very fun performing Jimmy Buffet/Country music. The first gig John did with them was on April 13, 2007 at Oak Forest Bowl. It was a full house with excitement everywhere!!
John has performed with, composed for, accompanied, backed up, taught, and produced many people. His Love of Music and the Guitar is impeccable. His playing and positive attitude on life itself, has inspired people all over the world.
In November 2007, John finished the long awaited CD featuring the John's Guitar playing as the main instrument. It is called: Johnny Chicago Trio, By Request. The song selection are some of John's favorite, most intimate pieces of music. The only other instruments used on the recording are Bass and Drums. It is now available at all of The Music Loft locations. It is also available through www.amazon.com, www.cdbaby.com, and www.digstation.com.
HE IS STILL GOING STRONG...THE BEST IS YET TO COME!!!
|
This is the early days at 18 years old.
|
A Little Down Time In South Africa
|
Just Jammin' With Friends In SA!!
|
|
John with "Capt'n Groovy" - 2007
|
|