Hello!
I’m John Flanigan, currently living in the California central valley. I am a fan of all types of music, Jazz, Folk, Rock, Blues, and Country. My influences are individual songs, and I'm trying to make music that makes me feel the way I did when I first heard those songs.
(In no particular order . . .)
Can't Find My Way Home - Blind Faith
Crossroads - Cream
Soul Sacrifice - Santana
In Memory of Elizabeth Reed - The Allman Brothers Band
Blackbird - Beatles
Careful With That Axe, Eugene - Pink Floyd
Desperado - Eagles
Love Reign o’er Me - The Who
My Generation - The Who
Still, I compose mainly with the acoustic guitar in the rock, folk/rock, and blues genres, retelling experiences, things I've seen, and the way I see the world, with music.
I was born on Guam. Regardless, I spent a great deal of my formative years in Memphis, Tennessee, Washington D.C., and Naples, Italy.
I got my first guitar when I was 5, living in Florida. We soon moved to Minnesota, and out in the country in the mid-60’s there was not a lot to do, but teach myself how to play that guitar!
My earliest musical influences were Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and The Kingston Trio. My first concert, however, was Steppenwolf. By then, I was 12, living in Memphis, and had discovered the Who, the Beatles, Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Humble Pie, the Stones, Deep Purple, and Stax Records and Motown. Then we moved to Italy.
I spent almost 4 years in Italy, going to High School. There, I was introduced to the Allman Brothers, Frank Zappa, Jethro Tull, Santana, Yes, James Taylor, CSY, and the Woodstock album! Moving back to the states I found myself in New Orleans, 18 and on my own.
There was no better place in the mid-70’s for a young musician to be than in a town like New Orleans. Blues, Jazz, Zydeco, Dixieland, all mixing together in small clubs and out on the sidewalks throughout the city. I got to see so many artists, like Muddy Waters, The Neville Brothers, Willie Nelson, Frank Zappa, Eric Clapton, Pink Floyd, and Albert Collins, (best show ever!). I also busked downtown, played clubs on Bourbon Street, and played the small clubs uptown. Along the way, I decided to focus on the Bass guitar when playing with a group.
The first song I learned how to play on the Bass was the iconic live cover of Crossroads, by Cream. I learned every note Jack Bruce played, and I played it over and over until I had it. I also started studying Willy Dixon, James Jamerson, John Entwistle, Carol Kay, Berry Oakley, and lots of others. All I did in those days was play music, at every waking moment, at the expense of all else, playing in three-piece rock or blues bands, acoustic guitar duos, or just around the house.
Learning all of this great music inspired me to write my own. I had the best teachers, in my opinion. I’ve also since gone to school to learn how to tune pianos, and studied sound engineering. The bottom line is, I have music constantly playing inside me. Getting it out into a tangible form is good for the soul.
Currently, I am focusing on sync licensing, although folks can just listen to my music for entertainment, too. I have tracks available on this site and I will be adding more as they become available. In the meantime, you can contact me at jeflanigan3@yahoo.com if you would like to get on my mailing list, want more information, or have any questions.
Peace