JohnStone
JohnStone has been unleashing its conscious roots reggae vibes in the DC area for several years now. With an arsenal of crucial roots-influenced original compositions, complemented by tasteful covers, the band is well-equipped to handle venues of all sorts. </p>
<p align="left">JohnStone singers and players of instrument include: </p>
<p><a href="mailto:[email protected]">Andre Nicholas (White) </a>— <em>Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar</em> <br>
A native of Jamaica, songwriter, and dynamic performer, Nicholas has developed a vocal style which captures many elements of the 1970's heyday of roots reggae in Jamaica. Musical influences include: Winston “<a href="http://www.bigupradio.com/artistDetail.jsp?aid=758">Burning Spear</a>” Rodney, <a href="http://www.bigupradio.com/artistDetail.jsp?aid=191">Max Romeo</a>, <a href="http://www.bigupradio.com/artistDetail.jsp?aid=123">Jacob Miller</a>, <a href="http://www.bigupradio.com/artistDetail.jsp?aid=26">Bob Marley</a> and David Hinds (<a href="http://www.bigupradio.com/artistDetail.jsp?aid=2126">Steel Pulse</a>). </p>
<p><a href="mailto:[email protected]">Alfred Adams </a> — <em>Drums, Vocals</em><br>
Born in Guyana where every possible genre of music is played and appreciated, Adams has, at some point, dabbled in all of those genres but has spent the past six years playing Ska, Rocksteady and Reggae in the DC area. </p>
<p><a href="mailto:[email protected]">Brendan DeMelle </a> — <em>Bass</em><br>
Originally trained by jazz legend Michael Musillami, DeMelle has performed on both coasts of the US in a variety of musical settings. Prior to relocating to DC to regroup with college band-mate Nicholas, DeMelle performed with Easy Big Fella, Seattle's Ska sensation, playing dates regularly throughout the Northwest. </p>
<p><a href="mailto:[email protected]">Chet Nunoo-Quarcoo </a> — <em>Percussion</em><br>
Originally from Ghana, Nunoo-Quarcoo brings a world-full of sounds and nuances to JohnStone. Chet has been playing the hand drums (congas/percussions) for nearly 15 years, living and playing in the DC area on and off since 1994. </p>
<p><a href="mailto:[email protected]">Joe Manekin </a>— <em>Keyboards</em><br>
A native of Northwest Baltimore, Manekin is a classically-trained piano player who joined JohnStone in September 2002. Some reggae keyboard influences include <a href="http://www.bigupradio.com/artistDetail.jsp?aid=2681">Jackie Mittoo</a>, Tyrone Downie, <a href="http://www.bigupradio.com/artistDetail.jsp?aid=1224">Gladdy Anderson</a> and many others. A few other players Manekin admires include Herbie Hancock, Robert Walter, and of course, Stevie Wonder