John Kessler Band

After 40+ years as a bassist backing other musicians, John Kessler is stepping out front as composer and bandleader with this new project. Conceived during the pandemic lull, Kessler began playing the bass with 2-hand tapping method, creating hypnotic instrumental rock with jazz overtones. Using this technique, he is able to play both bass and rhythm at the same time, weaving intricate overlapping patterns that are mesmerizing and also fun to watch and listen to. Fans of bassist Tony Levin and King Crimson will be delighted by this new group.

As Musical Director of NPR's Mountain Stage radio program Kessler arranged music and performed with some of the biggest names in roots, rock, jazz and blues including Dr. John, Sonny Landreth, Sarah MacLachlan, Shawn Colvin, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Johnny Johnson and literally 100s of others during his 15 year stint. Since 1999 Kessler has hosted the All Blues radio show on KNKX/NPR, and has won numerous awards from the Washington Blues Society as well as the award for Keeping The Blues Alive from the Blues Foundation.

Joined by some of the best players in Seattle, the band includes Darian Asplund on sax, flute and ewi (Lee Oskar, Tim Kennedy, Macklemore), Park Evans on guitar (Birch Pereira, Corey Palmer, Anthony Cox) and brilliant newcomer to the Seattle music scene Carlos Knox on drums.