John Besser has been playing drums since he was 5 years old. A natural born drummer, all he needed was pots and pans and Kiss records. At age 10, he played his first live gig and his life was changed forever.
John has performed with many artists and bands in many cities across the USA. Whether performing for over 150,000 people in Las Vegas on New Year's Eve or a small crowd at Bitter End in New York City, John's drumming sets the groove and gives the music a soulful pulse that is undeniably unique.
Mostly self-taught, John has spent years studying and practicing technique, timing, and various musical styles. John learned to read music early on with John Sarracco (Educator/JS Big Band), spent some time learning to shred with Nicky Capozzi (White Lion), as well as a few lessons with drum legend, Joe Morello.
John can groove with a deep pocket and when necessary he can really tear it up with incredible chops. His playing blends with many styles of music and adds the spice that makes a good band a great band.
Influences:
John Bonham, Dave Grohl, and Buddy Rich
Also: Bill Bruford, Simon Phllips, Tony Williams, Neil Peart, Lenny White, Andy Newmark, Nicky Capozzi, James Gadson, Ringo Starr, Peter Criss, Bill Ward, Uriel John, Pistol Allen, Clyde Stubblefield, Keith Carlock, JoJo Mayer, etc...
Performed with:
Darryl Dixon, Dave Watson, Boogie Knights, The Time Travelin' Mo-Fos, The GNB, Gypsy Trap, Outside Now, P.J. Farley, Steve Brown, Richie Cannata and Paul DiLeo.
Repertoire:
Rock, Pop, Funk, R&B, Heavy Metal, Hair Metal, Disco, Jazz, Country.
100s and 100s and 100s of cover songs.
Add'l:
Can play to a Click and Backing Tracks, and can Sing.
Gear:
Drums: Slingerland, GMS, Pacific by DW, Tama, Zildjian cymbals,
Mics: Neumann, Sennheiser, AKG, Rode, Shure
Recording: Pro Tools.
Mic pre: Vintech x73i (2), Vintech 273, API 3124+, Universal Audio 2-610.
Outboard: Universal Audio 1176, Distressor.
