John Tussey has been playing piano for more than fifty years. His music education includes private instruction in piano, composition, theory, orchestration, counterpoint, choral arranging, improvisation, advanced harmony and songwriting. He has played by ear since the age of six. His artistry combined with a variety of playing styles exudes a magnetic charisma that has gained him much favor wherever he plays. In addition to being a keyboard recording artist, John is also a professional entertainer, arranger, songwriter, private music instructor, accompanist, studio musician, music publisher and distributor. He has published many original piano pieces as well as a book entitled, "Chord Progression Ideas for the Contemporary Pianist." John is both a writer and publisher member of ASCAP. Since 1996, John has recorded 13 keyboard CD's. The 12 most recent CD's can be purchased on iTunes and Amazon.
John's repertoire includes original, popular/standards, Hawaiian and Irish music. He also has an extensive Christmas music repertoire. John's styles range from rock, blues, jazz, ragtime, classical, folk and gospel as well as contemporary.
John would love to play for your party, meeting or special event. He is currently not playing for weddings and receptions. John is available to play for funerals.
In March, 2008, several of John's original instrumentals were used in a local prime time TV documentary entitled, "WE SERVE: The Legacy of the Hawaii Lions." The DVD is now available with even more of John's original music added to this expanded version of the TV broadcast.
John's performances include the following places and events:
- The Center Court Atrium at Aloha Tower Marketplace in Honolulu
- The Hilton Hawaiian Village for the Professional Secretaries International - Oahu Chapter and the SkyBiz Independent Associates Convention
- An event for Apria Healthcare
- Congressional candidate Gene Ward's September 1998 reception with Orsen Swindoll at Roy's Restaurant
- Conventions at Hyatt Regency Waikiki
- Dinner music at Oahu Country Club
- St. Patricks's Day 2001 at Waialae Country Club
- Christmas Party 2002 for HMAA at The Pacific Club
- The US Navy's VP-9 Squadron Christmas Party 2003 at the Hale Koa Hotel
- Opening Reception for The Japanese Chamber of Commerce art show at the Academy of Arts at Linekona in August, 2003
- Signing events for Lord Wedgewood (Wedgewood China) at Royal Selection in Waikiki.
- St. Louis High School 2005 graduation exercise at the Blasidell Arena
- The launch of Globaltalk Communications in Honolulu
- Office blessing for the Filipino Chamber of Commerce - Hawaii
- Filipino Chamber of Commerce - Hawaii Valentine's Day Party, playing solo piano as well as accompanying Angeli Callo at the Dole Cannery Ballroom in February 2007.
- Weddings/receptions at Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel, The Willows, Koolau Golf Club and - Halekulani Hotel.
John has accompanied Karen Keawehawaii at Makaha Valley Chapel as well as other excellent soloists there. John has provided special music in many churches on Oahu and has also played in churches on Kauai, the Big Island of Hawaii, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania and the Philippines. He has also accompanied fine soloists on the East Coast.
Titles Include:
KA-001 - "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" - contemporary jazz arrangement
KA-002 - Cool Jazzy Blues" - blues with a technically and harmonically jazzy flare
KA-003 - "Sunrise At Kaneohe Bay" - improvisational contemporary easy-listening sound
KA-004 - Walk On The West Shore" - easy-listening with two Debussy-like sections
KA-005 - Springtime At Longwood" - contemporary with a classical influence
KA-006 - "All Jazzed Up" - contemporary jazz
KA-007 - "Groovin' Smooth" - contemporary jazz with a blues influence
KA-008 - "Gentle Wind" - easy-listening
KA-009 - "Ohia Lehua" - contemporary with an Asian influence
KA-010 - "Purple Blues" - blues with an attitude
KA-011 - Peaceful Healing" - serene and flowing KA-012 - Inspire Me" - classic romantic sound
KA-013 - "I Surrender All" - contemporary arrangement with a jazz influence
KA-014 - "Livin' Free" - pop-rock
KA-015 - "Sunny Day At Mission Bay" - soft pop-rock
KA-016 - "West Coast Cool" - contemporary jazz
KA-017 - "Pleasant Reflections" - easy-listening with a Debussy-like section
KA-018 - "Teal Blues" - groovy blues
KA-019 - "I Dreamed I Walked Through Heaven's Paradise" - easy-listening, dreamy and ethereal
John has written many songs and has published several of his original piano compositions.
In July, 1996, John released his first keyboard instrumental album entitled "Free Flow." From serene synthesizer soundscapes to mellow, jazzy and majestic piano styles, this recording is met with much favor wherever it is heard. John wrote thirteen of the twenty songs on the album.
These are some of the highlights of what is happening with "Free Flow" internationally - Music from the CD has been aired nationwide on radio in the nation of Estonia, as well as many other nations including those in the Middle East. Mike Rimmer of "Cross Rhythms" Magazine in England gave it a wonderful review - Issue #47. Music from the album was used on a Honolulu Cellular television commercial in the spring of 1998. The album has gone into many nations including distribution by ReSound in the US mainland, Praise Inc. in the Philippines, Alfa Y Omega in Spain, Omega Music in India and Nucleo in Portugal.
Reviews of John's "Free Flow" CD
"The piano is one of those instruments that never needs any introduction and has the ability to present true feeling like no other instrument. John Tussey takes that beauty of the keyboard and pours his heart and soul into this musical masterpiece. Free Flow is a powerful collection of Piano and Keyboard compositions that are sometimes moving, sometimes uplifting, but always breathtaking. The musical orchestration on this album is inspiring and full of real soul and passion. I can't find the words to do this album review justice. I don't think that there are words that can explain these feelings. It's something that only music can represent. Just like the way that John represents his emotions on this CD. If you're a fan of piano music, you will not be able to put this one down. It has to be one of the absolute best CD's that I've heard to date, and Lord knows I've heard a lot. Just pick up a copy or visit Johns MP3 site and see what I'm talking about. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed." Michael Allison - THEGLOBALMUSE.COM
"A total relaxing , great arranged/composed production with all that it takes to become successful Easy Listening material for the offline/online media with tremendous instrument performance quality by the artist.
You are a MAGNIFICENT piano player my friend and now you can count on me as one of your greatest fans! Your music is also beautiful."
Ernesto Cortazar - Most Popular MP3.com Keyboard Artist and Film Music Composer
"John, your music is very well written. Your melodies are breathtaking and very sensible. Congratulations!"
Philippe-Alexandre Belisle - A Popular Canadian Keyboard Artist on MP3.com
Four songs from John's "Free Flow" CD have been in the top 10 on the Hawaii MP3.com Easy Listening Chart with two #1 songs there.
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