John Cervantes is a jazz pianist, composer, and arranger whose musical journey transcends genres, embracing everything from the deep swing traditions of Oscar Peterson and Kenny Barron to the adventurous explorations of Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea.
John’s early immersion in music began with classical ballet accompaniments and vinyl recordings, shaping his ear for melody and accompaniment from an early age. Initially thriving as a promising young trumpet player, John achieved Grade 8 at twelve years old. However, after struggling through the technical constraints of the trumpet, particularly following wearing a brace, he found a liberating transition to piano—an instrument that allowed him to truly find his voice.
It was the discovery of Herbie Hancock’s rhythmic and harmonic genius, initially through his funk-driven album Headhunters, that opened John’s world to jazz’s intellectual and emotional depth. Equally transformative was encountering Chet Baker’s intimate and vulnerable trumpet sound—pure, lyrical, and deeply human. These artists provided the blueprint for John’s artistry, blending rhythmic excitement, sophisticated harmony, and personal expression.
Studying music at Manchester University, John dove into jazz’s rich tapestry, meticulously transcribing solos, hosting his own jazz radio show, and developing a deep musical curiosity. Relocating to London and subsequently studying at the Royal Academy of Music (RAM), John found himself thriving in an environment dedicated to musical exploration. There, he formed a chamber jazz ensemble featuring strings and harp, winning the prestigious Peter Whittingham Development Award, culminating in the celebrated album Live at The Forge, praised by Jazz FM and London Jazz News.
His subsequent flamenco jazz project, Crossing The Threshold, inspired by Chick Corea’s vibrant fusion experiments, captured audiences at the Love Supreme Festival, Ronnie Scott’s, and London Jazz Festival, supported by Arts Council England.
Alongside his own projects, John is increasingly sought after for high-profile collaborations that recognise his distinctive jazz voice. He performed Bernstein’s Riffs with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, accompanying soloist Alison Balsom in the Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall — broadcast live on BBC One and BBC Radio 3. He has also contributed as session keyboardist for Disney’s Rivals, creating reimagined arrangements of 1980s repertoire for both seasons.
Today, John balances creative projects with extensive live performances across the UK and internationally, from high-profile jazz festivals to exclusive residencies and concerts with top jazz talent including Nigel Price and Mark Crooks.
John lives in London with his wife and four children, where he continues to explore new musical frontiers.
What people are saying
London Jazz News“He plays beautifully and lyrically… the enthusiastic audience would not let the band leave without an encore, they knew they had seen something special.”
Helen Mayhew, Jazz FM“A very exciting concert of brand new music… a line-up including the cream of London-based young jazz talent.”
Jazzwise Magazine“Fusion was not forsaken; the band dissected the more exploratory side of the genre.”
The Magazine of the American Songbook Association“The singer was superbly supported… If I Were A Bell was delivered with a piano to die for.”
Derry Journal“The John Cervantes Trio are an absolute must see.”
Broadway World“There was also a particularly impressive rendition of Leonard Bernstein’s “Riffs” which brought some jazz into the show and gave [Alison] Balsom another chance to shine.”