John Kocur at

“Alto saxophonist John Kocur isn’t called ‘The Smoker’ for nothing. He’s simply one of the finest soloists the D.C. jazz scene has to offer.” - Michael J. West, Washington City Paper

John Kocur, the quartet’s lead musician, is an exciting young alto saxophonist and jazz composer based out of Washington, D.C. He has been called a "great soloist" by the City Paper, "equally capable of romance and hard-charging groove." His original compositions are rooted in the tradition of American Jazz, but they seamlessly blend a variety of musical influences including rock, hip-hop, European classical, and world musics. His distinctive alto saxophone style bears the influences of Johnny Hodges, Charlie Parker, Cannonball Addlerley, and Kenny Garrett. In 2008, John was selected to be one of five Artists-In-Residence at the prestigious Strathmore Performing Arts Center. John is currently on the music faculty at Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria, VA. John studied at George Mason University and Howard University under Jim Carroll, Dale Underwood, and Charlie Young III....

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“Alto saxophonist John Kocur isn’t called ‘The Smoker’ for nothing. He’s simply one of the finest soloists the D.C. jazz scene has to offer.” - Michael J. West, Washington City Paper

John Kocur, the quartet’s lead musician, is an exciting young alto saxophonist and jazz composer based out of Washington, D.C. He has been called a "great soloist" by the City Paper, "equally capable of romance and hard-charging groove." His original compositions are rooted in the tradition of American Jazz, but they seamlessly blend a variety of musical influences including rock, hip-hop, European classical, and world musics. His distinctive alto saxophone style bears the influences of Johnny Hodges, Charlie Parker, Cannonball Addlerley, and Kenny Garrett. In 2008, John was selected to be one of five Artists-In-Residence at the prestigious Strathmore Performing Arts Center. John is currently on the music faculty at Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria, VA. John studied at George Mason University and Howard University under Jim Carroll, Dale Underwood, and Charlie Young III.


"The Smoker," John Kocur Quartet’s first album, is available online at cdbaby.com, digstation.com, and iTunes. Free sound clips and downloads are available at www.johnkocur.com.


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