Home » Jazz Musicians » John Carey

John Carey

JOHN CAREY is a professional bassist, producer, singer-songwriter and music educator living in New York City. He began his music career at an early age, performing regularly at well known clubs in NYC since the age of sixteen. His bass playing, singing and song-writing abilities have lead him to perform, tour and record with bands and artists of all genres, including rock, folk, funk, R&B, blues, fusion and world music. John is recognized as one of the few bassists who can fit into nearly any musical situation, providing solid, song-oriented grooves, whether playing bass in a small club in NYC, out on the road or recording in the studio. As record producer, John has worked with some of the best bands and musicians New York City has to offer.

As a solo artist, John has released three of his own CDs. His first release, John Carey, "undefined psycho-chromatic G.R.I.D." (2005, Planet Bass, NYC) explores the avant-garde: the completely live and improvisational album captures the stream of conscious thought processes between some of today's most talented, unique and interesting musicians. The CD spans multiple genres of music, and provides for a multimedia and multi-sensory experience . . . A truly fascinating record with an all-star lineup.

His second release, John Carey, "CL" (2007, Planet Bass, NYC), includes his original singer-songwriter/pop songs. In addition to playing bass, you’ll hear John singing and playing acoustic guitar throughout the CD. His music is reminiscent of Sheryl Crow and The Steve Miller Band.

John Carey, "Son of the House" (2010), Planet Bass, NYC), examines the dualistic nature of Gnostic thought: light/dark, Cosmos/Earth, illuminated/unaware, divine/carnal, strange/familiar . . . Heavily influenced by the music of Miles Davis, Frank Zappa, Lou Reed and Larry Graham, Carey visits the sounds of punk, funk and the avant-garde, taking the listener from the streets of the East Village, New York City, to that of the Cosmos.

He has recently completed writing his first book, The Working Bassist, What You Really Need to Know to Survive in New York City. The book is designed to inform bassists (and all musicians) interested in coming to New York City to pursue their musical endeavors. In addition to being informative, the series of interviews has been geared towards inspiring those who are already working musicians. Interviews include Meshell Ndegeocello, Neil Jason, Tim Lefebvre, Reggie Washington, Johannes Weidenmueller and many more.

John Carey is endorsed by Sadowsky Guitars, NYC, Lakland basses, Euphonic Audio bass amplifiers and speaker cabinets and Rotosound bass strings.

Read more

Tags

135
Album Review

John Carey: Hot for Louisiana

Read "Hot for Louisiana" reviewed by Ed Kopp


Like many of his musical brethren in New Orleans, John Carey is actually a transplanted Yankee. Somehow this little-known harmonicat and singer from Boston convinced the Memphis Horns, bass-phenom George Porter, and guitarist-extraordinaire Duke Levine to join him on his second album.These celebrated musicians acquit themselves well here, but it's Carey and his lesser-known bandmates who really steal the show. Carey's passionate vocals are somewhat remindful of Luther Kent, and his harmonica work is nothing short of masterful. ...

Read more articles
156

Recording

Guitarist John Carey Releases New CD "New Beginnings"

Guitarist John Carey Releases New CD "New Beginnings"

Source: Michael Ricci

Guitarist John Carey uniquely combines Urban Soul, Pop, Latin and Smooth Jazz giving listeners a variety of his eclectic styles on New Beginnings an emotional and passionate recording that is fun and upbeat. Carey's music can be likened to Groove Theory, Incognito, Norman Brown, Chuck Loeb, Larry Carlton, Carlos Santana and George Benson. The eleven original songs from New Beginnings were written, arranged, composed and produced by John Carey. The CD also features Carey's wife Gina on vocals. Throughout Carey's ...

94

Recording

New Release: John Carey, "Son of the House" on Planet Bass

New Release: John Carey, "Son of the House" on Planet Bass

Source: Michael Ricci


REVIEWS:
"Bassist Carey describes these witty, approachable improvisations as 'organized chaos,' but there seems to be as much organization, with plenty of space between lines and suprising bursts of melody. Free bass playing has never sounded so good."
- Bass Guitar Magazine

"Bass virtuoso John Carey calls his music 'organized chaos' in the CD liner notes, and this live date ventures outside about as far as anything that’s come my way in recent memory." " . . . There are numerous moments of beauty and depth that occur within . . ."
- Ron Wynn, JazzTimes Magazine, December 2005

Read more

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Son of the House

Planet Bass, NYC
2010

buy

Hot for Louisiana

Humanhood Records
1999

buy

Similar

John Lennon
guitar and vocals
Oli Rockberger
piano and vocals

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.