Born in Boston, John attended Berklee College of Music and graduated from New England Conservatory of Music in 1979.  After receiving a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and relocating to New York, John performed as an accompanist with singers Peggy Lee, Sylvia Syms, Rosemary Clooney, Mark Murphy and Tony Bennett in both live and studio settings.

Released first recording as a leader in 1981 (Very Early) with Eddie Gomez and a string orchestra.  Numerous live performances with George Mraz, Tom Harrell, John Abercrombie , Red Mitchell, Grady Tate.

European tours with The Great Basie Eight including Clark Terry, Buddy Tate, "Sweets" Edison.  Developed the original Jazz Guitar curriculum at The New School in NYC and began a series of master-classes in jazz improvisation throughout Italy.

Won the Hennessy Jazz Search with clarinetist/whistler Brad Terry and a series of concert appearances throughout the US.  Jazz Guitar instructional video with John Abercrombie on Homespun tapes.  Latest project "It Was A Very Good Year" on the Underhill Jazz Label (http://www.underhilljazz.com).

Stylistically, John's guitar method uses a finger-style technique that approaches the guitar like a piano. Comping chord fragments and playing melodies simultaneously provide the backdrop for a more "open" style of playing and improvising. John believes that the harmonic aspect of the guitar has not been explored to it's full potential, and, he strives to exploit this area in all live performances and teaching.