John Kamman is a Washington, DC area guitarist and composer. John's approach combines 18 years of jazz performance and private studies of avant-garde classical composition with composers Mark Alberger and Brian Horner. His influences are due, in part, to an international background, having grown up in a variety of countries, including Kenya, Cuba, and the Soviet Union.

John’s expression and facility with the blues led to work with Whop Frazier, O.C. Nunn and ‘Skip’ Lester, among others, as well as ovations on stages from Los Angeles to La Paz, from Blues Alley in D.C. to The Dacha in Moscow. In 1993 John made the decision to leave the blues scene to focus on jazz and composition. John’s work with the harmolodic funk band Vector consistently piqued interest, leading to performances at the Washington Monument and an Inaugural Ball for Bill Clinton. In addition to the Alan Lewine Xtet, John currently performs with Armand Ntep and the Afro-Jazz Explosion, a group blending jazz and African styles.

As a composer, John is producing a number of events in conjunction with the American Composer’s Forum. He is currently composing a major work for and producing a concert series featuring the classical chamber group Washington Musica Viva along with area jazz musicians. John also originated the upcoming “Offstage “ event at Strathmore Hall, opening the door for dialog between composers and the community. Other recent works include a series of commissions for Jane Franklin Dance, recently performed at The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage and Gunston Arts Theater.

The release of The John Kamman Trio by Owlsong Productions marks John’s debut as a leader, which showcases his use of the guitar and composition as a storytelling device.