John is a modern jazz pianist who writes and plays a selection of standards and originals in the Bebop style with his Trio/Quartet/Quintet. John’s modern jazz has been featured on the BBC, Jazz FM and RTE. After recording a number of programmes for the BBC. In 1997, John recorded his first Album – Song for Ciara – which was the title track and composed for his eldest daughter. The album received favourable acclaim and was featured on the BBC, Jazz FM RTE and some local Radio stations in the UK,
Ireland and Scotland.
John’s major influences include the likes of Bill Evan, Lennie Tristano, Wynton Kelly, Hampton Hawes, Bud Powell and Chic Corea, Keith Jarrett and Kenny Barron.
He has regularly played with musicians such as Bruce Adams, Leon Clayton, Ken Foley Ray Gelato, Dave Priseman, Alex Garnet, Pete Waterman, Clark Tracey, Arnie Somogyi, Steve Riddle, Christine Tobin, Bernard O’Neill and his regular bassist, for many years was the wonderful Jeff Clyne, who sadly is no longer with us. John regularly teams up with Steve Fishwick , Ben Waghorn, Martin Genge and Andy Hague, Terry Pack, Greg McCarthy, Tomasso Starace and Simon Gore.
He has also played with Irish greats such as Louis Stewart, Hugh Buckley, Ray Preston, Dave Fleming and Stephen O’Keeffe and from the US, he has, in the past, played in the past with the likes of Art Blakey, Ben Clatworthy, Art Farmer, Barney Kessel, Greg Abate and many more.
John has played at many venues and Festivals in the UK and Ireland and played in France, Portugal and the US, including Birdland in New York.
John released a new Solo Album, two years ago - Jen’s Progress. There is another new album, Amarie – The Bristol Sessions which was released a year ago. This is a retrospective of his time in Bristol with various musicians.The album is a mix of standards and originals.
John wrote a new suite of 21 contemporary pieces, in 2018. They were recorded in France in two volumes. Siamsa, Vol. 1 has just been released and Vol. 2 is expected to be released in a few months. Watch this space fir further information.
John can be contacted directly on john.donegan@talktalk.net or on the John Donegan Jazz FaceBook page