John's illustrious career as a musician's musician is marked by numerous accolades, including BAFTA's and EMMY's. He is the proud recipient of a Gold Badge of Excellence for services to British music, a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Monaco Film Festival, and an honorary Doctorate of Music from the University of Sussex, where he was the first ever Creative Arts Fellow in the Department of Humanities.
John has scored the 1928 restored silent movie Shooting Stars, which premiered at London's Odeon Leicester Square as part of the 2015 London Film Festival. He has jammed with legendary musicians such as Eric Clapton, Zoot Money, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, and the late Amy Winehouse. He was the musical director for Van Morrison for many years and Hot Chocolate, and also played saxophone for the band.
John is responsible for creating classics such as Alison Moyet's 'That Old Devil Called Love', George Michael's 'Kissing A Fool', and Bjork's 'It's Oh So Quiet'. He is a highly respected award-winning composer, known for his contemporary orchestral scores, big band music, and small group ensemble work. Critic Don Heckman describes him as "one of the few film composers with authentic jazz skills".
John has written end title songs and pastiches for films where source music is difficult to clear. He has also composed music for numerous feature films, including RKO281, Hear My Song, Shall We Dance, Shoot On Sight, The Master Builder, Funny Bones, Titanic, Matchmaker, King Of Texas, Fidel, Goldeneye, The Lost Empire, Beautiful Joe, Little Voice, Garden Of Redemption, Beautiful Thing, Vendetta, Boss Of Bosses, Breaking Through, Hope Springs, The Roman Spring of Mrs Stone, Mr St. Nick, and The Reagans.
John has also worked on various UK TV projects, including The Good Samaritan, Mr Harvey Lights A Candle, and The Queen's Sister. As an arranger, he has worked with world-renowned artists such as Diana Ross, George Michael, Goldie, Bjork, Rod Stewart, Tom Jones, and Tina Turner. John is a featured sax player in leading jazz clubs and festivals around the world and regularly records jazz albums with his jazz quartet or big band.
John's impressive career has been represented by Carolynne Wyper, SMA Talent.
