Biography

A mainstay of Vermonts lively music scene for over thirty years, Cassel is also no stranger to the critics. Of his vibrantly eclectic performances the Montreal Star wrote: "Cassel offers a highly original and imaginative approach to piano and vocal improvisation. He has a wit and a vitality that could make big name performers forget their last 100 encores."

Downbeat Magazine refers to Cassel as "a real find as a pianist," while the Boston Globe lauds him as "a versatile, laid-back exponent of the jazz piano

Versatility is one of Cassels greatest strengths, and in a typical evening he moves effortlessly and expertly through a repertoire ranging from Jerry Lee Lewis to Cole Porter to Duke Ellington to Fats Waller to Frederic Chopin. And, of course, theres everything in between, including a wide selection of his own songs.



John has appeared with many internationally known performers, including Bonnie Raitt, Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, Gary Burton, Maynard Ferguson, and Dave Brubeck. Mostly, though, John plays where he has always been the most comfortable - in small clubs. You can catch his always-surprising show at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont, Friday through Tuesday nights.