Testimonials
Daniel A. Weiss
(Musical Director, 'Anthony Rapp: Live In Concert')
"If you need a drummer to quickly learn an ocean of music with accuracy and enthusiasm, John is your man. Heck of a nice guy to have on your team as well".
Jeff Ellis
(Musical Director, Liberty of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International)
"I recognise a great rock drummer when I hear one! John made my job a lot easier the short time he was in my band."...
... "valuable to the success of the overall sound" ...
... "has a passion for his contribution to the quality of the orchestra's performance".
Bobby Arvon
(Vocalist for TV show theme "Happy Days", Guest Entertainer on "Liberty of the Seas")
"I must say that it was a joy to work with John, as he is a very talented and gifted musician.
For a drummer as young as John he is very advanced beyond his years in his ability to play any type of music. John can swing, play rock, jazz, funk or any musical genre.
He is a musician who is not about hiding his love of music and showing his enthusiasm on stage. His interacting with me during my show was so infectious, and appreciated not only from me but also the audience. His energy is also very contagious.
John's reading is excellent and was very adept at playing my show, which has many quick cuts in and out, and various styles of music.
I would recommend John for any gig, as I am confident he will handle any show or play with any band and be a definite asset."
Kimberley Donarski
(Guest aboard "Liberty of the Seas")
"I had the pleasure of meeting John Clark outside the normal performance venues. I was very impressed with [his] professionalism. He exhibits all of the qualities that Royal Caribbean would want in their crew members to best represent their brand. All of this was before we heard him play and realized what a wonderful musician he is. I would be thrilled if my son could continue to develop both his musical and interpersonal skills under great role models like John Clark."
Bobby Cleall
(Pro-session drummer; Current drummer for The 'Glenn Miller Orchestra UK'; Drum teacher to former Status Quo drummer 'Matt Letley'; Transcriber of Steve Gadd's 'Up Close' book)
"I have been giving John a few top-up lessons lately. Not that he needs much instruction playing wise. His sight reading is excellent. Stage shows seem to be his forte but he is equally proficient in all styles. On top of all that he's a nice bloke! If I had a band, I would be lucky to have him."
The "Forest Fire" Big Band
(Cynthia Samuels, Band Leader)
"On behalf of all of Forest Fire Big Band, thanks again for your exemplary performance. You really held the band together and managed to capture the essence of all the styles. Swing, Latin & Funk grooves all played with both precision and - at the same time - an ease, that allowed the rest of the band to sit on top of the rhythm confidently. Great work ethic, great playing, great guy."
The "John Ongom" Big Band
(Angus Moncrieff, Musical Director)
"John stepped in at short notice and perfectly read through two sets of a big band gig with little more than a glance through the charts beforehand. It was an eclectic set - swing, ballads, latin, ska, show tunes - but he nailed all the different feels. As well as playing great, he was very attentive to my direction, and was very easy to work with. I'm looking forward to the next time!"
"Chicago" the Musical
(Ralph Brown, Pianist & Assistant MD - Allure of the Seas)
"I have known John since March 2015, having collaborated with him on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas. As an assistant Musical Director, it has been a pleasure to work with John whilst he was onboard. He is a versatile player who is adaptive for many skills; big band, sightreading, and particularly playing the demanding Broadway production of 'Chicago'.
John has a very strong work ethic and dedication to the gig. He is well liked by his peers and a very personable young man. It was a pleasure to work with him onboard. I would highly recommend John for any job or gig that would utilise these skills."
(Musical Director, 'Anthony Rapp: Live In Concert')
"If you need a drummer to quickly learn an ocean of music with accuracy and enthusiasm, John is your man. Heck of a nice guy to have on your team as well".
Jeff Ellis
(Musical Director, Liberty of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International)
"I recognise a great rock drummer when I hear one! John made my job a lot easier the short time he was in my band."...
... "valuable to the success of the overall sound" ...
... "has a passion for his contribution to the quality of the orchestra's performance".
Bobby Arvon
(Vocalist for TV show theme "Happy Days", Guest Entertainer on "Liberty of the Seas")
"I must say that it was a joy to work with John, as he is a very talented and gifted musician.
For a drummer as young as John he is very advanced beyond his years in his ability to play any type of music. John can swing, play rock, jazz, funk or any musical genre.
He is a musician who is not about hiding his love of music and showing his enthusiasm on stage. His interacting with me during my show was so infectious, and appreciated not only from me but also the audience. His energy is also very contagious.
John's reading is excellent and was very adept at playing my show, which has many quick cuts in and out, and various styles of music.
I would recommend John for any gig, as I am confident he will handle any show or play with any band and be a definite asset."
Kimberley Donarski
(Guest aboard "Liberty of the Seas")
"I had the pleasure of meeting John Clark outside the normal performance venues. I was very impressed with [his] professionalism. He exhibits all of the qualities that Royal Caribbean would want in their crew members to best represent their brand. All of this was before we heard him play and realized what a wonderful musician he is. I would be thrilled if my son could continue to develop both his musical and interpersonal skills under great role models like John Clark."
Bobby Cleall
(Pro-session drummer; Current drummer for The 'Glenn Miller Orchestra UK'; Drum teacher to former Status Quo drummer 'Matt Letley'; Transcriber of Steve Gadd's 'Up Close' book)
"I have been giving John a few top-up lessons lately. Not that he needs much instruction playing wise. His sight reading is excellent. Stage shows seem to be his forte but he is equally proficient in all styles. On top of all that he's a nice bloke! If I had a band, I would be lucky to have him."
The "Forest Fire" Big Band
(Cynthia Samuels, Band Leader)
"On behalf of all of Forest Fire Big Band, thanks again for your exemplary performance. You really held the band together and managed to capture the essence of all the styles. Swing, Latin & Funk grooves all played with both precision and - at the same time - an ease, that allowed the rest of the band to sit on top of the rhythm confidently. Great work ethic, great playing, great guy."
The "John Ongom" Big Band
(Angus Moncrieff, Musical Director)
"John stepped in at short notice and perfectly read through two sets of a big band gig with little more than a glance through the charts beforehand. It was an eclectic set - swing, ballads, latin, ska, show tunes - but he nailed all the different feels. As well as playing great, he was very attentive to my direction, and was very easy to work with. I'm looking forward to the next time!"
"Chicago" the Musical
(Ralph Brown, Pianist & Assistant MD - Allure of the Seas)
"I have known John since March 2015, having collaborated with him on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas. As an assistant Musical Director, it has been a pleasure to work with John whilst he was onboard. He is a versatile player who is adaptive for many skills; big band, sightreading, and particularly playing the demanding Broadway production of 'Chicago'.
John has a very strong work ethic and dedication to the gig. He is well liked by his peers and a very personable young man. It was a pleasure to work with him onboard. I would highly recommend John for any job or gig that would utilise these skills."