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John Kocur
Jazz saxophonist and composer John Kocur is captivating new audiences by putting an adventurous yet accessible spin on a classic tradition. Kocur’s compositions have been described as “mainly straight-ahead and clearly influenced by the playing of past masters such as Johnny Hodges and Cannonball Adderley, but they are not simply derivative. The ballads in particular display a maturity in writing and playing” (Bruce Lindsay, All About Jazz). While highlighting original music, the group also creates unique interpretations of popular American songs from past and present. The group’s style is an intimate, all-acoustic format, where the music takes center stage. Recent performances by the John Kocur Quartet have included venues such as Bohemian Caverns, Blues Alley, Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, the DC Jazz Festival, Twins Jazz, and the Phillips Collection.
“Alto saxophonist John Kocur isn’t called “The Smoker” for nothing. He’s simply one of the finest soloists the D.C. jazz scene has to offer—and, it turns out, one of its most promising composers and bandleaders, too.” -Michael J. West, Washington City Paper
Recently, John has explored the connections between jazz and other musical and artistic genres. He presented “Jazz Meets Irish Music” at the 2016 INTERSECTIONS festival at the Atlas Performing Arts Center in Washington, DC in collaboration with traditional Irish musicians Shannon Dunne and Sean McComiskey. He previously presented “Jazz Meets Bluegrass” at the 2014 INTERSECTIONS festival and at Strathmore’s “Unusual pAIRings”concert series.
In 2013, Kocur released his sophomore recording, entitled “Fortitude.” The album features inspiring original melodies based around the theme of “strength in the face of adversity.” “Fortitude” and Kocur’s WAMMIE-nominated debut album, “The Smoker” are both available for sale at performances and online at retailers such as iTunes, CDBaby, and Amazon.com.
“A promising young alto saxophonist, John Kocur has an unequivocally clear and forceful tone, and deploys it in precise but expressive solos. They call the kid “the smoker” for something. He tends to write post-bop tunes with thrash and groove, and leads a tight quartet. “ – CapitalBop
In 2010, John was selected for the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead residency program at the John F. Kennedy Center, where he worked with jazz legends such as Curtis Fuller, Dr. Billy Taylor, Carmen Lundy, George Cables, and Winard Harper.
In 2008, John was one of six musicians selected as an Artist-In-Residence at the Strathmore Performing Arts Center in Bethesda, MD, through which he presented a series of solo concerts and lectures.
John fell in love with the possibilities of the saxophone at the age of 10 while performing in the school band program in Medford, NY. After studying music at the university level, John embarked on a full-time career in music performance and education.
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John Kocur: The Smoker
by Bruce Lindsay
John Kocur's first album as a bandleader is an enjoyable and varied recording, showcasing not only the alto saxophonist's own emerging talent but also those of band mates Amy Bormet on piano, Oliver Albertini on bass and C.V. Dashiell III on drums. Washington D.C.-based Kocur produced the album as well as composing all of the tunes. The compositions are mainly straight-ahead and clearly influenced by the playing of past masters such as Johnny Hodges and Cannonball Adderley, ...
read more"Alto saxophonist John Kocur isn’t called “The Smoker” for nothing. He’s simply one of the finest soloists the D.C. jazz scene has to offer
Primary Instrument
Saxophone, alto
Location
Washington
Credentials/Background
John is available to teach saxophones, clarinet, and flute. Lessons include classical, jazz, and pop styles. Improvisation and Music Theory can also be included. Call for rates and available times. Education Master's of Music: Jazz Studies. Howard University. Bachelor's of Music Education: K-12 Instrumental Music. Minor: Jazz Studies. George Mason University. Student Teaching Internship: McLean High School & Louise Archer Elementary School Private Instruction from Charlie Young III, Dr. Sais Kamalidiin, Dale Underwood, and Jim Carroll. Participated in workshops by Dave Liebman, Jamey Aebersold, Roy Hargrove, and Jeff Hamilton Teaching Experience Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria Campus - Adjunct Faculty. 2008-present. George Mason University – Adjunct Faculty. Spring 2008. Music and Arts Centers - Private Woodwind Instructor. Sept 2007-Present. Music Lesson Central - Private Music Instructor. 2006-Present Private Saxophone Studio - 2003- Present. Beginner-Advanced, Children -Adult. Howard University Graduate Assistant - Private instruction for undergraduates. 2006-’07 Lectures in Jazz Saxophone given at Howard University and the University of Maryland. Substitute Teacher - Fairfax County Public Schools. General Music, High School Band GMU Jazz Connection Camp Instructor, 2007. Woodwind Camp Instructor: Fairfax, VA Summer 2006, 2007, and 2008. Staff Assistant: Sachem High School Marching Band Summer 2005, Farmingville, NY Guest Clinician with Yorktown High School Jazz Band.
Clinic/Workshop Information
Music
Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson