John Nasshan Jr. - Drummer/Leader
I was born in Jamaica, NY, and grew up in Chicago, IL. I am the oldest of the six children of John and Sylvia Nasshan, and the grandson of Josephine and Bobby Christian. My musical education began very early in my life, under the watchful eye of my Grandfather, "The Dean of Percussion", Bobby Christian. Involved in Jazz since my earliest years, I strive to learn something new about the Art of the Drums and Percussion every time I play! I was fortunate enough to have great teachers, among them Roy Knapp, Bob Tilles, and Al Payson. I started playing gigs at age 14, and haven't stopped. At age 49, I decided that I wanted to put together and lead a band, but not just any band... I wanted to put together "THE" band, and "Quintessence" is the result. This is a quintet with four of the finest Jazz Musician/Composers that I have ever known, and me. With Walt Blanton on Trumpet, David Stambaugh on Saxophones, John Matteson on Piano, Geoff Neumann on Bass, and Me on Drums, John Nasshan's "Quintessence" "PLAYS" Bop!
The rhythm section for "Quintessence" has become a true musical conversation. We play so great together, we are now playing concerts as a trio. This trio is called The John Nasshan Trio. John Matteson, Geoff Neuman, and I have been composing for this trio, and it has developed a Jazz personality all its own.
In addition to John Nasshan's "Quintessence" and The John Nasshan Trio, I currently perform with Origin Records recording artist Walt Blanton (our recent release "Momuments" is available), The Henderson Symphony Orchestra (as Principal Percussionist/Tympanist), The Pat Rizzo Orchestra, The Jack Poster Band, and The NAHB Orchestra.
I am also a Radio Host on KUNV91.5FM in Las Vegas, NV. We are the only source for real Traditional Jazz in the Las Vegas Valley, and I am "on the air" Mondays & Tuesdays from 2pm to 6pm...and...Thursdays & Fridays from 10am to 2pm...and I host an interview show called "Las Vegas Arts Alive" that airs every Monday at 6pm. KUNV will streaming on the web soon...
So check in with this site often for the latest news on John Nasshan, John Nasshan's "Quintessence", KUNV 91.5FM and The Henderson Symphony Orchestra.