John Kessel

Singer, songwriter, and guitarist John Kessel has churned out music in his hometown of New York City since the 80's. Over the years, JK has been a support musician (or collaborated) with Jello Biafra, Kimya Dawson, Simi Elliot, Corey Glover, Adam Green, Daniel Johnston, Mark Kramer, Jeffrey and Jack Lewis, Jesse Malin, Of Montreal, Andy Shernoff, and Peter Stampfel.
A self-taught natural, Kessel plays over a dozen instruments and often records as a one-man-band. In 1995 he self-released the "Existentialism" single, followed by the album, "Born Late" in 1997. In 2002, JK was included on the compilation "Call It What You Want.", released and distributed by Olive Juice Music. JK has scored 2 independent films to date, and occasionally takes the odd gig as an actor. The follow-up album, the all-acoustic 'Hurry Up and Wait' is in limbo. In February of 2007, JK debuted a new band, THE CIGARETTES, with songwriter Ben Sadock. The CIGS have performed consistently throughout the year, and have recorded sessions for another yet-to-be-released album.
Steeped in all the offshoots of the American blues idiom, John Kessel uses simple rock n' roll and arranges it to very dramatic extremes. His narratives are unconventional but emotionally on-point. JK's songwriting has a character of it's own; a highly identifiable style. Get acquainted with a few and see for yourself.
From Anti-Matters:
Thu. Aug. 17 2000



I offered John Kessel a Mickey Mouse ornament for his guitar. He declined.
Said,
"Disney doesnt pay me for that."



But they will. OH, YES. They WILL!



Kessel never ceases to amaze. I think hes on a first name basis with Gods music publishing agent. His songs are like the bastard children of Dylan and Lennon, struggling and fighting to find a place in this world. Does anyone else think he looks like a younger, cleaner, consummately New York John Belushi?



What Kessel does may not be for everyone, but only because not everyone is privy to what Kessel does. Every John Kessel show is different, spontaneous. His performance teeters on the tightrope - one wrong step will land him death and disaster. But, every time, he naturally avoids the train wrecks of a clumsy Evel Knievel, with all the stealth and grace of an Anne Rice character.



If you havent seen a John Kessel show yet, you owe it to yourself - and the Artist. Sometimes, I think Artists like John Kessel are responsible for making the world more beautiful.
(Eric Adams)



JOHN KESSEL DISCOGRAPHY:



1995-EXISTENTIALISM/ADULTHOOD - 7" single (Clavicle)
1997-BORN LATE-CD (Clavicle)
2001-CALL IT WHAT YOU WANT.- Compilation CD (Olive Juice Music)
JOHN KESSEL also appears on:
1992- Huge- Really Huge
2000- Grey Revell - Crazy Like an Ambush
2001- Peter Dizozza - Pro-Choice on Mental Health
2002- Peter Dizozza - Prepare To Meet Your Maker (Original Cast Album)
2002- Testosterone Kills- War All the Time
2003- Kenny Davidsen - Goodnight, Baby
2005- Jeffrey and Jack Lewis - City and Eastern Songs (Rough Trade)
2007- Jack Lewis & The Cutoffs - L'vov Goes to Emandee w/My Unicef Box (Smoking Gun Records)
2008- Jeffrey Lewis - 12 Crass Songs (Rough Trade)
2009 - Jeffrey Lewis - 'Em Are I (Rough Trade)
2011 - Jeffrey Lewis & Peter Stampfel - Come On Board
JOHN KESSEL FILMOGRAPHY (Score):
1997 - Channel Surfing
2000 - Arcade (Dir. David Lobser)