The music of John Hanks is informed by the many musical excursions he has taken throughout his life since he started his first drum lessons at the age of seven. As a longtime resident of Durham, North Carolina, he continues to play percussion and piano for dance, mainly for the Duke Dance Program and the American Dance Festival, and performs with many ensembles - jazz, symphonic, broadway, rock, chamber music - including a premiere with renowned pipa soloist, Wu Man, of "Ancient Dances," by composer Chen Yi. He also led his own jazz trio for ADF's "Festival of the Feet" series, accompanying tap dancer Jason Samuels Smith. John also played drums for Gus Giordano and the Jazz Dance World Congress from 1992-2003, and played piano for recent South East Regional Ballet Association conventions. His music has been used by teachers all over the world. "....The "Here Come the Drums," "Drumjazz," and "Percussion Jams for Dance" offer great variety and energy for our classes. Keep Recording...PLEASE! Our students enjoy it - actually prefer it to the top "pop" music. I appreciate that there isn't a forced/imposed emotional component. Thank you!!"
