John Betsch facts for kids
John Betsch is an American jazz drummer, born on October 8, 1945. He is known for his amazing drumming skills and has played with many famous musicians.
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About John Betsch
John Betsch was born in Jacksonville, Florida. His family had a rich history. His grandfather was Abraham Lincoln Lewis, a successful businessman. John's grandmother, Mary, had ancestors who included an English colonist named Zephaniah Kingsley and an African princess named Anna Kingsley.
Early Life and Music
Music was a big part of John's family. His mother played the organ and piano for church, and his older sister, Marvyne Betsch, was a talented singer. John started playing drums when he was nine years old, joining his school orchestra.
When he was 18 and still a student at Fisk University, John began playing music professionally. He performed with pianists Bob Holmes and Ernest Vantrease, and trumpeter Louis Smith. He later studied music at Berklee College of Music and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. There, he learned from famous jazz musicians like Max Roach and Archie Shepp.
Starting His Career
After playing in groups that featured the organ, John Betsch released his first album as a band leader. It was called Earth Blossom and came out in 1975. That same year, he moved to New York City. In New York, he played with many well-known jazz artists, including Marion Brown, Paul Jeffrey, Max Roach, Jeanne Lee, and Henry Threadgill.
Playing with Famous Bands
From 1977 to 1979, John Betsch was part of Abdullah Ibrahim's music group. Then, from 1980 to 1982, he played with Archie Shepp's band. This band included talented musicians like Hilton Ruiz on piano, Santi Debriano on bass, and Roger Dawson on congas and other percussion instruments.
In 1983, John recorded with Roger Dawson's septet. This group featured Hilton Ruiz, John Purcell on reed instruments, trumpeter Claudio Roditi, bassist Anthony Cox, and percussionist Milton Cardona. After this, John became a member of quartets led by Marty Cook.
Life in Europe
Since 1985, John Betsch has lived in Europe. He has continued to play with many great musicians there, such as Jim Pepper and Mal Waldron. He also plays in a band with his wife, Claudine François, who is a French pianist.
In the 1990s, John played in a group with Steve Lacy, and also with Özay Fecht. He was also part of a trio with Elvira Plenar and Peter Kowald. He has recorded music with other artists like Thomas Chapin, Marilyn Crispell, Klaus König, Billy Bang, Sathima Bea Benjamin, Uli Lenz, and Simon Nabatov.
Music Albums
John Betsch has released his own albums and played on many albums with other musicians.
Albums as a Leader
- Earth Blossom (Strata-East, 1974)
Albums as a Sideman
- With Billy Bang: The Fire from Within (Soul Note, 1984)
- With Marilyn Crispell: Spirit Music (Cadence, 1983)
- With Abdullah Ibrahim: The Journey (Chiaroscuro, 1977)
- With Steve Lacy:
- Anthem (RCA Novus, 1990)
- Itinerary (hat ART, 1991)
- Live at Sweet Basil (RCA Novus, 1992)
- Clangs (hat ART, 1993)
- We See (hat ART, 1993)
- Revenue (Soul Note, 1993)
- Vespers (Soul Note, 1993)
- Monk's Dream (Verve, 2000)
- With Uli Lenz: Good-bye Venus (Tutu, 2005)
- With David Murray: Flowers Around Cleveland (Bleu Regard, 1995)
- With Simon Nabatov: Inside Lookin' Out (Tutu, 1989)
- With Jim Pepper:
- Dakota Song (Enja, 1987)
- The Path (Enja)
- Remembrance (Tutu 1990)
- Live at New Morning, Paris (Tutu 1999)
- With Roswell Rudd: Broad Strokes (Knitting Factory, 2000)
- With Henry Threadgill: When Was That? (About Time, 1982)
- With Mal Waldron:
- Mal, Dance and Soul (Tutu, 1987)
- No More Tears (For Lady Day) (Timeless, 1988)
- Quadrologue at Utopia (Tutu, 1989)
- More Git' Go at Utopia (Tutu 1989)
- Spring in Prague (Alfa Jazz, 1990)
- With Marty Cook: Red, White, Black and Blue (Enja, 1987)
