Trio Biographies
John Reynolds, Trumpet
John is a highly sought trumpeter in Southern California, adept in performing many styles of music. John holds a Doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of Southern California as well as degrees from San Diego State University and Point Loma Nazarene University. He has taught private studio trumpet lessons since 1999, teaching a range of students from children to adults, novices to budding professionals.
John performs frequently with his own group, the New Standard Jazz Trio and is often contracted as a freelance trumpeter in Southern California. In the Jazz world, John has performed with Bob Mintzer, Peter Erskine, Bobby Shew, Frank Mantooth, Gilbert Castellanos, Marshall Hawkins and many others. Other groups with which he has performed include the Westwind Brass, Millennia Consort and the San Diego Chamber Orchestra. As an active part of the San Diego music community, he can be seen performing frequently in both Jazz and Classical venues. John recently played Principal Trumpet for the production of Guys and Dolls by the San Diego Musical Theatre and for the Distant Worlds Orchestra (presenting the music of Final Fantasy) with members of the San Diego Symphony at UCLA. He also recently played solo piccolo trumpet for 50th wedding anniversary of the parents of Bill Gates. John is currently adjunct faculty at Point Loma Nazarene University.
John plays Monette trumpets and mouthpieces exclusively.
Jon Garner, Guitar
Jon Garner is an active jazz guitarist in San Diego, who has been performing regularly with the trio. Jon has been performing since 1987 as a leader and/or sideman in a variety of traditional and contemporary ensembles ranging from jazz and classical to punk rock. He has performed with Blume, Aqua Dulce, D.frost, Blue Seven, Rezolution, Yavaz, Citymouse, and the Skeleton Key Orchestra among other jazz and top 40 professional ensembles. Jon has extensive live performance experience in both group and solo settings. Jon also holds an M.M. from San Diego State University.
Justin Grinnell, Bass
Justin Grinnell has been a freelance musician and music educator in San Diego since his move from his hometown, Santa Rosa, California, in the fall of 1999. His familiarity with a wide range of musical styles, including jazz, latin, funk, rock, pop, and classical, make him a valuable asset in almost any musical situation. In May 2005, Justin received his Master’s Degree in Jazz Performance from San Diego State University. That summer, he attended the Henry Mancini Institute’s 2005 Summer Education Program on a full scholarship where he had the opportunity to work with one of Los Angeles’ premiere session bassists, Nathan East. Justin is currently performing and composing for several jazz-influenced groups while also teaching at Grossmont College.