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John Shaffer

About Me

My Jazz Story

I love jazz because as a teacher for 56 years and jazz performer of more than 10,000 gigs (having played with Dizzy Gillespie, George Benson, Richie Cole, Gary Bartz, Bobby Hutcherson, McCoy Tyner, Don Friedman, Frank Foster, Eddie Shu, Frank Vicari, Jon Lucien, Paul Horn, Attila Zoller, Joe Beck, Lenny Breau, Bob Conti, Jimmy Bruno, Barry Greene and many more), jazz now defines a lot of who and what I am and how people recognize me. I was first exposed to jazz in the 1950's. My advice to new listeners is give jazz a chance. It is more than just surface music. There are depths that can teach you many things about yourself and life, unlocking the doors of a limited perspective.

My House Concert Story

I have done many house concerts and they were all good experiences because I could talk to the audience and explain what was taking place. Audiences tell me they really enjoy that kind of presentation and it brought their appreciation to a new level. As an older musician and educator, my stories and explanations brought smiles and understanding looks to many previously unable to unlock the mystery surrounding a real in depth experience of what we call jazz.