john_suskey + Musician in Bel Air, MD

SEEKING

ABOUT

I live in Bel Air, MD. I love music, and taught elementary school music in Harford County. After classical-training in college I've joined with Jazz, Rock, Pop bands. I've been looking for a group of excellent musicians, not hobbyists, who want to play good places and enjoy playing everything. From my perspective, training is not needed, but a good ear is important in order to pursue both New/OLD and all styles of music--- the more variety the better. I have an excellent ear, (wrong notes for me are like nails down a chalkboard).

I am older (Mid 50's), male with a day job and a wife, in other words I prefer weekend gigs.

Recently I been playing fill-ins for keyboard position doing gigs with bands.. I found them after answering the ads on Craigslist or MD Party or BandMix.

After filling in for gigs, here is what others wrote for a recommendation::

“In July 2014, I rehearsed twice and played a show with John Suskey on 8-1-14. John is a seasoned player and has a good attitude (important to most, including me). John plays well / sings and harmonizes well. He added lots of nice affects / sounds which provided “a much fuller” sound. I hope to play with John again and he certainly is on my list of stand ins. Frank Fazio”

"Our band was in need of a keyboardist for an upcoming New Year's Eve gig. Within one month John learned our 40 song set list. John was able to improvise and solo on our extended jam songs. The quality of his keyboard system was remarkable covering everything from the distinct Hammond B3 to a whole range horn sounds. John is very easy to work with and we hope to work with him again." Eric Partyka - 7th Sun

I also have clips of something more recent:

Screen name:

john_suskey

Member since:

Feb 05 2015

Active within 1 week

Level of commitment:

Very Committed

Years playing music:

40

Gigs played:

Over 100

Tend to practice:

2-3 times per week

Available to gig:

2-3 nights a week

Most available:

Nights

Influences

Elton John, Billy Joel, and 70s rock such as Styx, Kansas, ELP and anything with a keyboard part. Of course all types including Jazz, Chick Corea, Bill Evans, Herbie and Classical music and classical piano.

Folk music including Latin music salsa, guaguanco, and folkloric music of African influences played in Cuban Style; this is optional to add variety.

I also am heavily influenced by the classical music of Beethovan, Bach, and 18th-19th century European music.

Instrument experience:

Keyboard:

Advanced

Piano:

Advanced

Accordion:

Moderate

Background Singer:

Moderate

Banjo:

Moderate

Electronic Music:

Moderate

Harmonica:

Moderate

Other:

Moderate

Other Percussion:

Moderate

Ukulele:

Moderate

Vocalist:

Moderate

Rhythm Guitar:

Beginner

EQUIPMENT

Nord HP Electro 5 valued at over $2500, a new 2014 Yamaha Moxf6 ~$1000 which includes all string, brass, organ and vocoder sounds,
Roland KC880 750watt amp and Roland KC150w monitor
Mics, cables and patch cords to run most electronic things and sound for small rooms.

MUSIC

CALENDAR

Past Events