Jordan John carving out a stellar career that makes dad proud

/// Many who have been part of or following the GTA live music scene for the past several decades are familiar with the name and talent of Prakash John. The amiable bass player, a member of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, achieved international recognition when, after moving from TO to Los Angeles, he was part of Alice Cooper and Lou Reed’s bands in the mid-70s, appearing on seven of their albums. But he was already well known to TO musicos as the bottom-end man during the 60s for Mandala and its successor, Bush (with the late Domenic Troiano and drummer Whitey Glan). After returning to TO late in the 70s was one of the founders of The Lincolns. Musical pedigree doesn’t get much better than that.

While I’m not sure if Prakash that still playing bass with his son, Jordan John, these days, he was the last time I saw this second generation multi-instrumentalist in action five years ago almost to the day. But Parkash definitely continues to manage Jordan’s career, which has taken off like a rocket since I saw the talented but green young man. His latest album, New Day, is getting serious attention and he has performed with or opened for a wide variety of name artists, including an LA warm up set for Soul diva Aretha Franklin –at her request!

While it would be difficult for anyone to match or exceed the accomplishment of Jordan’s father (indeed, the industry today makes it very difficult for serious talent to get any kind of recognition) it seems clear that he’s on the same path of developing awesome respect from his fellow musicians as well as a devoted and growing fan base.

Luckily this talented guitarist and singer (who’s also adept on drums, bass and more) lives right here in TO and has become the Monday night regular feature at a room designed for listening, dancing and partying, Orbit Room at 580 College St. near Clinton Ave. Cover is just $10 and the show should get started around 10 or a little after and, unless the club has changed radically, the music will keep going till at least 2 a.m. -Gary 17, www.torontomoon.ca

LISTINGS:

Listings preceded by an asterisk (*) are repeating weekly events. Admission prices followed by a slash and minus (/-) after the amount indicates door charge with availability of cheaper rates for some purchases. /+ indicates stated price is minimum.

Names of subscribers appear in bold and include a live link to their websites where applicable. Advertisers’ listings are in larger type, include live link to website and also have ad icon included in listings.

5-8> Toby Hughes Jazz Band @ Gate 403, 403 Roncesvalles Ave., TO West ~Jazz

6> The Heartbroken @ Cameron House (front), 408 Queen St. W., TO

*6-9> Calliope’s Nest open stage/jam for women @ Lola Pub, 40 Kensington Ave., TO

6:30> Peter Hill Group @ The Rex, 194 Queen St. W., TO ~Jazz

7-9> The Good Family @ Dakota Tavern, 249 Ossington Ave., TO West ~Rootsabilly

7> Hard Time Mondays with Rick & Gailie @ Black Horse Pub, 452 George St. N., Peterborough

*7:30> M Factor Mondays with host Elana Harte & features Janey Whiteway; Authentic Imperfection; Ryan Cassata @ Old Nick, 123 Danforth Ave., TO East

7:30> GTA Swing Band @ Seven44, 744 Mount Pleasant Blvd., TO North ~R&B/Swing

*7:30> Saxy Sady T Trio @ Melange, 172 Main St., TO East ~Jazz

*8-11> Stratochief @ Relish, 2152 Danforth Ave., Toronto East ~Swampy Southern Blues-Rock

8-12> open stage with Julian Taylor & 9:30 feature by Lilly Mason @ Dora Keogh, 141 Danforth Ave. TO East ~Roots Pop

**8-1> open stage with host Christian Bridges @ Free Times Café, 320 College St., TO

*8-11> open stage @ McGradie’s, 2167 Victoria Park Ave., Scarborough

8-12> BBQ & jam night with host Shawn Brush @ Moonshine Café, 137 Kerr St., Oakville; ($8.95 with BBQ dinner special starts at 6)

*8-12> open stage @ Simcoe Blues & Jazz, 926 Simcoe St. N., Oshawa

**9-1:30> jam with No Band Required @ Grossman’s, 379 Spadina Ave., TO

*9-1> Hamstrung Stringband @ The Local, 396 Roncesvalles Ave., TO West ~Bluegrass

*9-1> Cheryl White R&B Band @ Gate 403, 403 Roncesvalles Ave., TO West ~R&B

*9-1> eclectic open stage/jam @ The Painted Lady, 218 Ossington Ave., TO West

*9> open mic (2 songs; signup starts 8p.m.) @ Tranzac Lounge (Southern Cross), 292 Brunswick Ave., TO

*9-1> jam with Tom Barlow @ The Harp, 55 Lakeshore Rd. E., Port Credit

*9:30-2> Sebastian Agnello & friends @ Black Swan (ground floor), 154 Danforth Ave., TO East

9:30> John MacLeod’s Rex Hotel Orchestra @ The Rex, 194 Queen St. W., TO ~Jazz

*10-2> jam with Kimberley Wetmore & Company feat. Dave Girdlestone of Soul Funkshun @ Roc’n Doc’s, 105 Lakeshore E., Port Credit

10> Jordan John @ The Orbit Room, 580 College St., TO ~R&B/Blues

10> Rucksack Willies @ Cameron House (front), 408 Queen St. W., TO

10> Dani Nash Band @ Dakota Tavern, 249 Ossington Ave., TO West

10:30> Big Otter Creek @ The Hideout, 484 Queen St. W., TO ~indie Rock

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