"Up Close & Personal" with Bassist "John Dillard"

Profusely talented and highly gifted.Born and raised in Rochester, NY, John was surrounded by music that helped shape his particular style of playing. John credits his early influences to his father. John’s musical journey started when he was eight years old. John gives credit to other heavy influences aside from family members such as Jaco Pastorius, Marcus Miller, Dave Holland, Ron Carter, John Patitucci, Nathan East, Fred Hammond, and Joel Smith. They drove his growth, resulting in a deeper love and dedication to the art of being a bassist. When asked about his greatest influences, John’s response is always: “Too many to name and enough to keep me humble and always practicing.” 
Whether John is playing electric, acoustic (upright) bass, or key bass, John can be found holding the groove on local stages in Charlotte, NC, his hometown, or performing on main stages across the country with national recording artists. In his career thus far, he has worked with gospel artist Lejuene Thompson, musical director for Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Stephanie Mills, contemporary jazz artists Brian Simpson, Matt Marshak, Jeff Kashiwa, Steve Cole, Walter Beasley, Nick Colionne, Marc Antoine, and Four80East. Additionally, John has earned Grammy certifications for his performances on EMI gospel projects “Oh Happy Day,” an All-Star Celebration (Best Traditional Gospel Album) and Heather Headley’s “Audience of One” (Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album.) They were both won at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards.