SHIPPED by John Shipley

“SHIPPED” is the striking new CD from John Shipley that features sophisticated, urban sounds with some of the world’s finest jazz musicians including friends, Dan and June Kuramoto (from Hiroshima), Larry Klimas, (sax player with Manhattan Transfer and Tony Williams), Randy Hall (guitarist/vocals with Miles Davis Band), drummer/percussionist, Alex Acuna from Weather Report, Greg Wright (producer/keyboards for Diana Ross, Natalie Cole and Marvin Gaye), and jazz bassist, Abe Laboriel from Koinonia.

John began his career in the mid 1970’s as part of the Los Angeles jazz scene. With Bobby Lyle, living next door, John listened and learned. Ronnie Laws and sis Eloise could be found in rehearsals with John or just in the audience. L.A. forged the basis for a strong jazz future. Las Vegas and New York were to follow. John was opening for stars like Frank Sinatra and Don Rickles. But, after hours, his passion was playing in the crowded, smoke-filled jazz and R&B clubs. Over the years, friends and fellow musicians expanded rapidly, including jazz and R&B vocalists Odia Coates (Paul Anka), Bobby Glenn (featured vocalist with Diana Ross) and brother Gary Glenn (M.D. for Anita Baker, songwriter “Rapture”). Gary Bias (songwriter “Sweet Love” and member of Earth, Wind, and Fire), contributed his smooth sax to many of John’s gigs.

Over the past several years, John has performed in concerts, with jazz saxophonist Michael Lington and with Roberto Vally (bassist Spyro Gyra and songwriter with Bob James and Rick Braun). Shipley’s band (with Roberto) opened for Grammy jazz flutist, Nestor Torres and received a standing ovation. Dan and June Kuramoto joined John in a concert reunion, and June Kuramoto recently performed with John in “Koto and Keyboards”.

“SHIPPED,” as well as John’s solo debut, “dance of the jacaranda tree,” both reflect the passionate enthusiasm of his disparate musical travels. Shipley is using his fine-tuned musical chops on his own pulsating, trailblazing jazz for the new millennium and is enthusiastic about spreading the news. As a producer and artist, he knows the drill and is willing to make it happen. He says, tongue-in-cheek, “I’m ready to become an overnight sensation”.

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