Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with New Jersey-based Upright & Electric Jazz Bassist John Pachnos.
We dig into John's new self-titled 2026 debut album, his career in music, his development as a bassist, and the many different musical worlds he has explored along the way. The album features seven original compositions and showcases a young bassist and composer with a distinctive musical voice.
Born and raised in a small town in northwest New Jersey, John's first exposure to music came when he was just 3 years old, after hearing his older sister practicing piano. He later experimented with piano and drums before discovering the bass at age 13 — an instrument that ultimately stuck.
John went on to study at Rutgers University's Mason Gross School of the Arts, where he studied with renowned bassist Kenny Davis. After graduation, his career took him in a variety of directions, including jazz clubs, rock bands, musical theatre pit orchestras and cruise ships throughout the northeastern United States.
His new album John Pachnos brings together longtime musical friends and collaborators from his Rutgers years, including Carter Vames, Caleb Heinze, Frankie Midnight and Justin Vedovelli. The record blends jazz with elements of funk, rock, Latin music and Greek musical influences.
In this conversation, we talk about learning the bass, finding his musical identity, growing up in New Jersey, Rutgers, jazz education, cruise-ship gigs, musical theatre, playing rock, composing original music, recording his debut album and building a career as a working musician.
Dig into this conversation with John Pachnos and discover the story behind his new album and his journey as a bassist.
LISTEN TO THE ALBUM:
John Pachnos — Apple Music
MORE JOHN PACHNOS:
John Pachnos Official Website
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