John stands to Jim's left. John began playing with Jim and Phil in 1978. He is a fine saxophone player, specializing in staccato bursts of melodic energy. He turns the flute into a suprisingly versatile instrument, employing unusual techniques. John truly stands out as a harmonica player. His version of Whammer Jammer is legendary. He sings lead vocal on many tunes. John's greatest contribution to the Jim Small Band sound is his ability to hear and execute the inside parts of the Jim-John-Phil vocal trio. The three part vocal harmony (sometimes 4 or 5 part) is an integral component of JSB music. With Jim smoothly  singing the lower part and Phil above, John has an innate ability to find the often winding and twisting inner parts that give three part singing much of its beauty. John is also the de facto Master of Ceremonies at gigs, his inexhaustable enthusiasm reaching out to all within hearing.