He studied music theory with Elvo D’Amante at Laney College, Oakland. He has played with Vince Lateano, Madeline Eastman, Jessica Williams, Bruce Forman, Vince Wallace, Calvin Keyes.

In addition to his work with jazz singer Lua Hadan and the Guarneri Jazz Quartet, he's played with Mark Levine and Hal Stein’s Band, as well as with the renowned Wesla Whitfield and Madeline Eastman.

John has also backed such venerable visiting artists as James Moody, Benny Golson, Pete Jolly, Joe Henderson, Rebecca Parris. He has with recorded with Jessica Williams, Mark Levine, Bruce Forman, Wesla Whitfield and Scott Hamilton.