Jon Sheckler
Award Winning Drummer/Composer/Bandleader
Bio
New Orleans drummer Jon Sheckler is emerging as a distinctive voice in modern jazz. His latest album, Highway 27, released in March 2023, follows his critically acclaimed 2018 album, Cityscapes. The eight-track album, which was five years in the making, showcases his evolution as a composer and bandleader, featuring guitarists Mike Clement and Christos Melios in prominent roles.
After early success in Seattle's jazz scene, Sheckler established himself in Brooklyn, where his trio held residency at Greenwich Village's Caffe Vivaldi. He has performed with notable artists including James Weidman, Larry Corban, and Clay Jenkins, while also producing work for various artists including Jordan Ziskin's debut album Crazy Child.
Recent accolades include the 2021 DownBeat Magazine Student Music Award for Outstanding Original Composition and the ASCAP Louis Armstrong Scholarship. Since moving to New Orleans, Sheckler has collaborated with Grammy-winning saxophonist Brent Rose and several Grammy nominees, while establishing himself as a prominent event band leader. For three years, he has led bands at prestigious venues and events including the historic Civic Theater, multiple Mardi Gras Krewes, and the 2025 NFL owners' dinner.
Jon holds a BM in Jazz Studies from the University of Northern Colorado and a Master's degree from the University of New Orleans.
Press Quotes
"I give Jon and his mates a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an EQ (energy quotient) rating of a (perfect) 5.00; which means, of course, that he also gets my PICK for best jazz trio work."
"...impressive and very dynamic...His excellent drum solo is straight and dynamic at the same time."
Dick Metcalf, Contemporary Fusion Reviews
Michael Ferber, Michael's Jazz Blog
...a sprawling record full of compositions that remind one why jazz has such a permanent place in the world of music."
"...has a joie de vivre that is immediately accessible and engaging."
Jamie Robash, Divide and Conquer
Chris Baber, Jazz Views
"...accessible trio jazz which in places harks back to the classic soul-jazz of the 60s and elsewhere echoes the music of people like Bob James."
"Though he certainly contributes to the album’s overall demeanor, Sheckler‘s prominence here is that of a composer"
Bill Buck, Soul Jazz and Funk
Offbeat Magazine
“‘Mexico’ is Jordan Ziskin’s idea of that ‘greener space’ on the other side of the fence.” - comeherefloyd
“Powerful lyrics, sincere writing, and simple emotions make us loved that track…” – Music For Your Heart
" Volume is a must for the way it washes over the listener...crafting a world that feels so warm, welcoming, and reassuring." - The Beach Sloth
"...this album borrows instances from such great storytellers like Bob Dylan, Elton John and The Beatles...This is an album worth diving into." - Divide and Conquer
Praise for Jordan Ziskin's Crazy Child
"Backstabber is indeed a fantastic example of Mon’Quez and his amazing artistry...some amazing verses, and perfectly crafted hooks, which are definitely going to make you want some more."
"Backstabber is a quintessential neo-soul song...especially due to the smooth arrangement and Mon’Quez’ highly dynamic vocal parts. The drums are feathered beautifully, with a nice touch on the hats and some great snare tones to top it all off."
-Aristrack
"This is an impressive way to start and I hope this is just the beginning for him." Divide and Conquer