supersonic
Artist Information
Biography
John Parker, known as "The Rockin' Bluesman", was raised in the Santa Cruz, California area and started playing at age 14. He grew up loving the sounds of BB King, Django Reinhardt, Freddie King and Buddy Guy. Several bands later, he would up in the Atlanta, Georgia music scene where he found the Blues calling.
A few years later, he returned home to California to pursue what he loved about Georgia the most - the Blues. John has performed with Chicago Bob Nelson, Big Joe Jackson, Butch Travette & the Alley Cats, the late Piano Red, Tinsley Ellis, Delbert McClinton, Doug Kershaw and more. He's opened for The Beach Boys, Juice Newton, Coco Montoya, Bobby Bear, Eric Burdon and many others.
Beside playing continuously with his 3 bands, John is well known for his extensive work with various charities, especially The American Cancer Society. He was chosen an ASC Legislative Ambassador and has worked very closely with the Organization and our government. In 2006, he attended the "Celebration on the Hill" in Washington, DC and spoke before Congress in an effort to increase Cancer Research Funding. He was a 5 year Cancer Survivor himself and his disease required him to have a Liver Transplant which led him to becoming an advocate to teach the public about Organ Donor Awareness.
He also served as the Entertainment Chairman for the Santa Clarita Valley Relay For Life for the last 3 years, which is one of the largest in California and he also performed at and provided bands for several other Relays in the state each year and has helped raise more than $4,000,000 for research funding.
In 2006, John became the President of the Santa Clarita Valley Blues Society and kept involved in just about "everything Blues" in the Los Angeles area. He always had very high ideals for the music style and has been a major participant in the planning for some upcoming festivals in the Santa Clarita Valley and other locations around the greater Los Angeles area. He was also very involved in implementing a new "Blues In The Schools" program in conjunction with The Santa Clarita Valley Blues Society for the area.
John has always written songs that are funny, true to life and personal –- and none are more personal than the ones he wrote for his new album "Self Titled".
He crafted them over the course of three anxious years after his Liver Transplant when the Liver Cancer spread into his lungs and then later to his heart. Hoping for a miracle but feeling that the end was just around the corner, he became more determined than ever to leave something memorable behind - his mark on the world. John's songs just kept coming and his determination and music has inspired multitudes of people who know him and have heard his music.
"He was unrelenting," his wife, Lynn says. "He would stay up all night working on a tune and he'd even wake me up to come down and listen. It seemed as though these songs were demanding to be written.. and he wouldn't even think of giving up until this CD was finished. When he would take a break from writing lyrics, he would switch over to working on songs for a new Instrumental CD that he was planning next. It was a great feeling knowing he had found his medicine in his music and that's what kept him going for so many years and gave him the most happiness. He actually put his finishing touches on his "Self Titled" CD just three days before he passed away and he even did that with his own extraordinary style....he just looked up at the sky, got a huge grin on his face and was gone in a flash!!"
John's New "Self Titled" CD:
John Parker - Lead Guitar & Vocals
Jeff Jensen - Rhythm Guitar
Bill Ruffino - Bass & Backing Vocals
Steve Halter - Keyboards, Piano, Organ
Chris Collier - Drums & Backing Vocals
Guests Artists appearing on John's "Self Titled" CD:
Kyle Culkin - Guitar & Backing Vocals
Nate LaPointe - Slide Guitar & Pedal Steel
Ralf Mueggler - Drums
Sista Sherry Pruitt - Backing Vocals
John recently received the 2007 Rock City Music Award for "Best Blues Band of the Year".
John was also chosen as Chicago Music Guide's "Featured Artist for 2007".
His song "When I Reach My Destination" from his "Off The Clock" album was recently featured on an episode of the CBS series "N.C.I.S."
CD & Performance Reviews:
SOUTHLAND BLUES MAGAZINE
Jim Santella
As President of the Santa Clarita Valley Blues Society, John Parker stayed involved in Southern California's Blues from the inside. As a Bandleader and Bluesman performing for decades alongside like-minded artists, John found his groove and always found a way to express what he was feeling with clarity. His voice is full of life, grit and meaningful lyrics on this "Self Titled" CD that was finished just three days before Parker passed away. He died on March 30th, after a five year battle with liver cancer.
The courage that he displayed in life shows up in each of the 12 album selections as the Singer/Guitarist works with Bassist Bill Ruffino, Drummer Chris Collier, Organist-Pianist Steve Halter, Rhythm Guitarist Jeff Jensen and several guest artists.
"I Ain't Gonna Give Up" comes from his autobiographical roots as Parker sings about the way things turned out. He says that he'd only change one thing if he could live his life all over again - he'd find a Cure for the Blues. Well, it's certain that music such as his does the job. Parker sings 'em clearly, convincingly, and adds his signature swingin' rhythmic touch to each selection.
"I've Got The Blues Baby" swings with joy, while lyrics paint a picture of shared lowdown feelings.
"Waitin' For The Water To Rise" proves poignant as the Bluesman sings about the dangers that can happen to anyone...anywhere.
Cancer took him all too soon but John Parker's message and music will live on forever.
COVERUNNER RADIO
Noel Diotte
John Parker, Lead Guitar and Vocals for "John Parker & Forced Call", previously with Chicago Bob Nelson, Big Joe Jackson, Butch Travette & the Alley Cats and the late Piano Red, has a new Blues Band, a high energy Rock-Blues Band called "The John Parker Blues Band". I've known Parker for years while he was crafting and performing his songs at late night blues jams in the South Bay. I've watched his high energy guitar blues licks, his powerful "growling" vocals and now, he is even more gregarious and fun on stage as the lead-man. Considering all he's been thru with chemotherapy treatments and having just had a liver transplant just three weeks before getting back on stage. Talk about the blues! The joy of the Blues shows in his love for his music, his unbeatable faith of life and humor.
John's Keybord player, Steve Halter aka the "Lord of the Boards", has been a full time session player and arranger for over 20 years. As John says, "when it's time for his solo, he just closes his eyes, feels the vibe and lets his soul take over". This certainly was evident during his performance on the stage. The physical movement of his work on the keyboard also makes for great energy for the whole band as well for great playing virtuosity.
THE EASY READER
Entertainment News, Barbara Ramsey-Duke
Popular Lead Guitarist and Blues Vocalist John Parker laid claim to the title of the "Hardest Working Man in Rock 'n Roll" last Saturday night when he and his band opened the Redondo Pier Summer Concert season with a two hour show.
Just three weeks earlier, Parker underwent a liver transplant. A set of metal clamps were keeping his guts from spilling out, literally, while he belted out his bluesy original tune "Walking Out On You".
"HOTTEST TRACKS I'VE HEARD IN YEARS"
George "Duffy" Duffield / The Pearl Room, Redondo Beach
In a day when most of what you hear is techno-hi speed sampling, this is raw music, directed to the soul and with no holds barred. "Off The Clock" is a pleasure to listen to and you'll find yourself playing it over and over. It is a "must buy" for any serious music lover. If you get the chance you need to check this CD out. It's a hoot. After over 25 years in the music business, I know a hit when I hear it.
"THIS GUITAR IS INCREDIBLE"
Andy V., Rockin' Blues News
The "Off The Clock" cd sounds exactly like listening to "John Parker & Forced Call" at a big concert. I saw them perform in front of over 4,000 people and they were great. Listening to this cd gives me chills. What a great "live" sound it has! John's got a new CD scheduled out soon, which if I know him, will just be fantastic - can't wait to hear it.
"WHAT A GREAT BLEND OF ROCK AND BLUES"
Kyle Jones, Blues City Radio
A DJ friend of mine turned me on to John's cd and I was amazed when I gave it a listen....half rock, half blues and a great mix of both. This band is really entertaining and the music on this new cd shows how much heart and soul went into the production. Very good, guys!
"I WAS COMPLETELY BLOWN AWAY"
Bluesorama Radio
Just caught these guys at a concert at the Redondo Beach Pier and I was completely blown away!! John just bigger than life on stage and puts on a really great show. I couldn't wait to get my hands on one of his "Off The Clock" cds to play it for the world. I hear John has a new "Self Titled" CD in the works for an early 2008 release that is only his music and I know it will be great - really looking forward to it.
Sampling of Past Performances:
Redondo Beach Pier Summer Concert Series
Santa Clarita Valley Blues Festival
Saugus Speedway with The Beach Boys & Juice Newton
Write 4 Hope Blues Festival
Blues For The Cause Festival
Ride Across America
South Bay Navy Days
Calimigos Ranch Concerts
Lake Elizabeth Music Festival
Celebration on the Hill
Ventura Art Walk
Orange County Cultural Fair
Sherman Oaks Street Festival
Beach Cities Summer Spectacular
Lousiana Lovesong Benefit
San Clemente Fiesta
Santa Clarita Valley Relay For Life
North Hollywood Relay For Life
Burbank Relay For Life
Beach Cities Relay for Life
The Sunset Room
The White Lotus
The Happy Clam
BB King's Blues Club
The Sportsman's Lodge
The Highlands Club
Arcadia Blues Club
Yesteryears
The Pearl Room
Instrumentation
The John Parker Blues Band:
John Parker - Lead Guitar & Vocals
Chris Pucher - Rhythm Guitar
Steve Halter - Keyboards
Brian Dunnagan - Bass & Backing Vocals
Danny Lynch - Drums
The Parker-Jensen Band:
John Parker - Lead Guitar & Vocals
Jeff Jensen - Lead Guitar & Vocals
Steve Halter - Keyboards
Bill Ruffino - Bass & Vocals
Chris Collier - Drums
John Parker & Forced Call:
John Parker - Lead Guitar & Vocals
Danny Costello - Lead Guitar & Vocals
Steve Halter - Keyboards
Tom Costello - Drums
Bryan Dunnagan - Bass & Backing Vocals
John Parker Duo:
John Parker - Guitar & Vocals
Sal Dionofrio - Bass & Vocals
John Parker Trio:
John Parker - Guitar & Vocals
Sal Dionofrio - Bass & Vocals
Bob Flynt - Drummer
Discography
Single Releases & CDs available for purchase and/or download thru various outlets such as CDBaby, BandVillage, Itunes, Broadjam, RunningMonkey.net and ISound.
John Parker (Self Titled) CD / Released 2008:
I Got A New Car - Lyrics & Music by John A. Parker - BMI
The Price Of Fame - Lyrics & Music by John A. Parker - BMI
Ain't Gonna Give Up - Lyrics & Music by John A. Parker - BMI
Forget All My Fears - Lyrics & Music by John A. Parker - BMI
Loves Gonna Find You - Lyrics & Music by John A. Parker - BMI
I've Got the Blues Baby - Lyrics by Barry Rodriguez & Music by John A. Parker - BMI
Hopeless Romance - Lyrics & Music by John A. Parker - BMI
My Valentine - Lyrics & Music by John A. Parker - BMI
Early In The Morning - Lyrics & Music by L. Hickman, L. Jordan & D. Bartley
I'll Never Be Free - Lyrics & Music by B. Benjamin & G. Weiss
Queen Of The Damned - Lyrics & Music by John A. Parker - BMI
Waitin' For The Water To Rise - Lyrics & Music by John A. Parker - BMI
John Parker & Forced Call (Off The Clock) CD / Released 2005:
No Place Left To Hide - Lyrics & Music by Danny Costello
City Nights - Lyrics & Music by John A. Parker - BMI
So Good, So Bad - Lyrics & Music by Danny Costello
The Only Thing - Lyrics & Music by John A. Parker - BMI
Rock N Roll - Lyrics & Music by Danny Costello
Things Are Gonna Be Different - Lyrics & Music by John A. Parker - BMI
Red, White And Blue - Danny Costello
Walkin' Out On You - John Parker
The Truth Will Set You Free - Danny Costello
When I Reach My Destination - John Parker
John Parker (Not Yet Released Instrumental) CD:
Out On The Town (Instrumental) - John Parker
Sunday Morning Blues (Instrumental) - John Parker
By The Time I Get Back Home (Instrumental) - John Parker
