Steevn John, aka Sj, began his music career playing trumpet in the grammar school band. A few years later, Sj switched instruments to the bass guitar. He would later accompany his brother, who’s a drummer, in a rock band. They toured and recorded throughout CA.

In the 80’s Sj was introduced to a guitarist from University of the Pacific who had an interesting style and musical tastes. They eventually formed a new wave, alternative band, “Broken Toys” writing, recording and gigging frequently up and down the state of California. They opened for bands such as The Damned, The Church, Echo and the Bunnymen, UFO, and City Kid soon to be ‘Tesla.’

Sj moved to San Francisco during the quake to form another alternative rock band called ‘Atomic Snakes.’ They recorded two CD’s. The same members then doubled as Detroit Rock City, a Kiss cover band. According to Sj “On occasion we’d open up for ourselves. It was quite the ‘spinal tap’ era of my musical journey”.

In ’94-’97 he made another CD with a band called Ethyl later to be ‘Lucy’s Crush’ from S.F. It was at this point in his career that he took yet another turn forming a 13 piece R&B, jazz group from the Bay Area, “Havana Blowcats”

In ’99 Sj then formed a power trio called “Toast”

Since the turn of the century Sj’s been honing his skills playing pick up gigs, writing, and recording with various artists from rock to jazz, fusion, and R&B. “Oliver James would fly me to Manhattan for gigs and recording projects” Sj stated .

His influences are broad, ranging from punk funk, R&B, rock, alternative, lounge, and Country. Some influences: Dave Weckl, Dennis Chambers, Victor Wooten, Marcus Miller, Doug Johns and Stanley Clarke to mention a few. You can find Sj on various recordings, most recent “When We Become Kings” self titled EP When We Become Kings. 2016.

Sj is currently the bassist for Bananafish, a power trio from hell!

Lookin forward to hangin out with you at our next show!