Biography
With over 30 years of experience as a professional musician, John Samorian has built an impressive career that spans the globe. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Jazz Education from the University of North Texas and a Master’s degree in Jazz Performance from the University of South Florida, dedicating his life to both performance and education.
John has performed with the legendary Blood, Sweat & Tears and led his own ensembles across Europe, Asia, and throughout the United States—every state except Alaska and Idaho (but he’s determined to get there). He has also served as a conductor and keyboardist for more than 30 Broadway, national, and international tours, bringing his expertise to stages worldwide.
With his superb musicianship and deep passion for jazz, John continues to inspire audiences and fellow musicians alike.
Upcoming Dates
RECORDINGS
Original vocal jazz compositions, featuring John on vocals and piano and Kim Shriver on vocals.
Out On A Limb album available on Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Spotify
The Urban Jazz Trio features standards with John on piano, Vincent Fay on bass, and Kory Grossman on drums
The Urban Jazz Trio album available on SoundCloud
Press
John Samorian’s Out On A Limb starts with I Ain’t What I Used To Be:, a blues that takes you back to those early years when blues and jazz were almost one and the same. All the songs are originals by Samorian, who also sings and plays the piano. Samorian’s voice tone is similar to modern jazz singers like John Pizzerellie and Harry Connick Jr. The similarities are more evident in songs like Out On A Limb and Lonely.
—Wilbert Sostre, Jazz Times
Samorian’s compositions bristle with both the old and the new. They recall the heyday of Tin Pan Alley, when a good turn-of-phrase meant the difference between a hit and a flop and elastic piano talent is de rigueur. Samorian's voice is pleasantly friendly and even and his wife, Kim Shriver, even more so.
—C. Michael Bailey, 100 Degrees at Midnight
Samorian’s songs all have the silk-sheeted traits of jazz making Out On A Limb a legitimate source of romantically imbued music. From the fireside bliss of Autumn Is here to the bubbly fibrillations of Lonely, Samorian is a well rounded artist who covered all the emotions related to love and honors its effect on shaping character and stamina.
—Susan Frances, Yahoo
His voice is perfect for jazz. He has the perfect control and it brings the right amount of energy to every song on his album. With songs like The Alphabet of Alcohol (one of my personal favorites) you can’t help adding the album to whatever MP3 player you have. The songs are just full of energy, which is what everyone looks for. This album will keep anyone entertained, whether a jazz enthusiast or not.
—Stephanie Trotter, The Celebrity Cafe
A solidly adult jazz flavored set that’ll be a treat for non-jazzbos as well. A winner throughout.
—Chris Spector, Midwest Record Recap Volume 34/Number 151
John Samorian and Kim Shriver spend their working lives in musical theater and that is reflected in these songs. They all have a hint of drama and the knack of encouraging and audience’s feet to start tapping. Out On A Limb is such a great feel good album and is on heavy rotation here at Borderland Towers. Highly recommend and undisputably one of my albums of 2011.
—John M. Peters, The Boderland
Samorian’s got a really cool voice and he’s a natural on the keys. Joining John on some of these tracks is singer/actress Kim Shriver, who is also his wife. Out On A Limb is a super smooth spin, full of tracks played with precise attention to detail.
—Son Seven, LMNOP Magazine
