Seth W. Jo.

Seth is an established guitarist, a passionate composer and dedicated educator (all ages and skill levels). Having earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance from San Francisco State University, and his Master’s degree from Mason Gross School of the Arts (under the tutelage of Vic Juris), Seth grasps and interprets a well-rounded, expansive scope of musical genres. He plays Jazz, Western Classical, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Peruvian, Brazilian, African, Country, Funk, Bosa Nova, Hip Hop, and any popular North American styles. From free improvised music, to Rock, to Jazz standards, he will have fun with all of it, taking the music as far as his body allows.

Seth was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. There, he began playing and experimenting with guitars, at age 10. Largely self-taught, he developed individualistic approaches to music and his instrument-- prior to receiving formal training. Inspired by his first teacher, Cleveland blues guitarist John Christopherson, Johnson delved deeply into the blues and finger-style guitar. Thus, though thoroughly exploring the outskirts of the guitar’s sound and timbre, and embracing his musical versatility, the blues has ultimately remained at the core of his style.

Seth's musical inspirations and enjoyments include, but are certainly not limited to: Jimmy Hendrix, Lenny Breau, Robert Johnson, John Coltrane, Billi Holiday, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Nina Simone, Erik Satie, James Blake, D'Angelo, Bjork, and Fiona Apple.