John Blease

Gretsch Artist Since: 2018

Country: GB

Band or Affiliations: Robert Plant, Paolo Nutini, Seal, Goldie

Current Kit Setup:
Broadkaster Black Glass
14x22 BD, 14x18 BD, 8x12 TT, 9x13 TT, 14x14 FT, 16x16 FT

6.5x14 USA Custom Bell Brass Snare Drum
5x14 USA Custom COB Snare Drum
6.5x14 USA Custom COB Snare Drum
6.5x14 Broadkaster Snare Drum

Influences:
"Jim Keltner, Matt Chamberlain, Elvin Jones, Paul Motian, Steve Gadd, John Bonham, Jim Black, Mel Lewis, Tony Williams, Jay Bellerose, Paul Clarvis, Ed Thigpen, Dave Hassell, James Brown’s drummers, Levon Helm, Vernell Fournier, Idris Muhammad and many more as well as food, travel and all that life has to offer!"

We asked...Why Gretsch?:
"Many of my idols such as Tony Williams, Philly Joe Jones, Mel Lewis and Elvin Jones all played Gretsch and I grew up marvelling at their sound. Still do! When I moved to London I saved up and bought a 30’s round-badge snare drum with “stick-chopper” hoops I’d fallen in love with on Denmark Street. Gretsch drums have always had a sound, feel and identity. I’m proud to be playing these wonderful instruments."

Advice to aspiring musicians?:
"Be open minded and work hard. Say yes to everything and soak it all up like a sponge. Listen to loads of music, and most importantly, have fun playing the best instrument in the world!"

Bio:
John is perhaps best known for being a member of Robert Plant’s band the Sensational Space Shifters with whom he has toured the world.
He has also performed and recorded with a vast array of eclectic artists including Seal, Goldie, Paolo Nutini, Father John Misty, Florence & The Machine, Ghostpoet, Jamie Cullum, Goldfrapp, Ben Folds, Skepta, Mika, Anthony & The Johnsons, Birdy, Tim Minchin, Georgio Moroder, Lizz Wright, Michael Bolton, Pete Tong and Mose Allison.
John keeps himself busy at his own studio, recording on numerous film, tv and library sessions. He is a member of Brass Mask, a Mardi Gras/New Orleans inspired brass band and Typewritten, an all acoustic, multi-instrumental chamber project. John was also awarded an ARAM from his former music school, the Royal Academy of Music.