"Like a hot day in the South. Not hurried" is how John Wicks describes his playing style. His patient, supportive style, use of space, and mastery of contemporary styles had made him an extremely busy guy around his hometown of Seattle and continues in his new home of Los Angeles.



As a freelancer John Wicks is working constantly, performing and recording in various live acts, commercial jingles (for Nike, Budweiser and Microsoft among others) and movie soundtracks.



John Wick's playing with LA based singer/songwriter Heather Porcaro, Beastie Boy keyboardist Money Mark, punk/new wave band Soccermom, and on saxophonist Skerik's "Syncopated Taint Septet" (Ropeadope/WEA) reveals a relaxed, and soulful style that elegantly bridges the gap between pop, hip hop, punk, 70's funk, and ethnic-based urban styles.



This is understandable considering his early childhood New Orleans roots and John Wicks's list of influences: Levon Helm, Kenny Buttrey, Mike Clark, Bernard Purdie, Jay Dilla (Slum Village), Al Jackson Jr., Earl Hudson (Bad Brains), Donald Bailey (Jimmy Smith), Paul Motian, Grady Tate, The Roots, Stevie Wonder, and Squarepusher.



John Wicks: "My goal is to record and tour with all of the groups I'm involved with, as well as to continue playing with other artists. I'd also like to keep on teaching private lessons and clinics in Los Angeles and abroad in the future. As long as I continue to grow as an artist and make everyone I am in contact with smile, I know I'm doing OK."



Recently John Wicks has been busy playing his quirky funk- and soul-laced beats on sessions for releases by Bruno Mars, rapper B.o.B., and Cee-Lo. Between sessions Wicks is squeezing in some live dates with Meshell Ndegeocello and the retro soul band Fitz & the Tantrums.