BIOGRAPHY

New York City born and based drummer, composer, programmer John B. Arnold has been playing drums for over forty years and has earned respect among his peers as a performer and an important drum innovator. He has toured and  performed around the world. He he has recorded for television and movie soundtracks and has been a teacher in New York and Berlin. 

 

His playing style is immediately identifiable, combining  the importance of groove playing, technique and innovation. His sticking technique is unique and he is revolutionizing the way drums are played today. Guitarist John McLaughlin says of John's playing style: “He is pushing the barriers of contemporary drumming to new heights with the innovation of new concepts in drumming and rhythmic expression.”   

        

His compositions are intricate, original and creatively arranged, earning him the respect of fellow composers worldwide.  He has performed as a leader and sideman with Gary Thomas, Greg Osby, John Pattitucci, Matthew Garrison, Kenny Garrett, David Binney, Adam Pieronczyk, Jean Paul Bourelly, Ben Monder, Danny Sadownick, Larry Goldings, Uri Caine, John Abercrombie, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Adam Rogers, Bob Berg, Victor Bailey, Tim Le Febvre, Orlando Le Fleming, Steve Grossman, George Garzone, Reggie Washington, Alfonso Johnson, Nelson Veras, George Colligan, Greg Burk, Chet Baker, Ray Bryant, Larry Schneider, Maurizio Giammarco, Enrico Rava, Danilo Rea Greg Burk, Jim Beard, Martha Reeves and The Vendellas and many others. 

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From 2013 to 2017 John was the founder and artistic director of the 

electronic music festival Calcatronica in central Italy.

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As a teacher John has taught at The Center School of Manhattan, Drummers World NYC, The Drum Factory Berlin, The University of Music, Timba School of Percussion, Percento Musica and Fonderia Delle Arti Rome

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He has written two instructional books: 

Revolutions in Modern Drumming 1 & 2 published by Cosmopolitan Publishing. 

 

John is also the grandson of American composer Hoagy Carmichael.