Guitar, Ensembles, Bass
Jon Wall has been studying music for more than 20 years and playing guitar for the last 17. A native of the Chicago South Side, Jon acquired his "chops" playing in the Marist High School jazz band and studying under South Side guitar guru, Frank Gato. Although his parents still don't know it, Jon spent his high school nights making weekly trips to the famed Checkerboard Lounge where he was heavily influenced by Chicago legends Vance Kelly, Chico Banks and Koko Taylor. Jon played his first professional gig at the age of 17 at the Beverly Arts Center with his Frank Zappa cover band. He finished his instrumental performance degree at Columbia College and strives to continue learning from the stories, perspectives and styles that the teachers and staff provide at the Old Town School of Folk Music.
He is currently influenced by The Bad Plus, Greg Brown, Tony Rice, Bach, Stuart Davis, Yoda, Nelli McKay, Fleetwood Mac, that "Chocolate Rain" guy, Stravinsky, Kaki King, long walks on the beach, Dethklok, Season 2 of Dexter, Béla Fleck, Chris Thile, Eckhart Tolle, Pat Martino, all the classics and lots of espresso.
Jon is currently freelance gigging in the Midwest and in pre-production for a rock-opera-musical he co-wrote and scored.
Started at the Old Town School in February of 2008
