About John Nilsen

John Nilsen has resided in Portland, Oregon for most of his life. He began studying classical piano from his mother when he was 6, and by the age of 14 had taught himself to play guitar.

The son of a Methodist pastor, he graduated from Southern Oregon University in 1979 and went on to become a composer,  recording artist and performer, playing 240 concerts every year for 30 years until COVID hit.

He splits his performances between touring internationally as an in-demand pianist, combining elements of classical, folk and jazz; performing with the John Nilsen Trio where they perform a mix of folk, classical, jazz and rock; and with his own folk rock band, Swimfish.

John loves to get out into the mountains and forests of Oregon and meet the people, all strong influences in his compositions. He has also given back to his community through teaching at song-writing residencies and speaking to students in schools across the country.

As an accomplished pianist, guitarist, composer, lyricist and vocalist, John was selected to be a Yamaha Signature Piano Artist in 2021, and over the years has recorded more than 20 CDs.

The hour-long concert at All Saints’ Church on 9 May at 20.00 will be a mix of classical, jazz, folk and rock (boogie-woogie). He’ll include some hymns, some classic songs people will know, and some of his own compositions. 

“The musicianship is flawless” – Keyboard Magazine

“The songwriting hangs together well and the tracks flow, carving out a groove as naturally as a river carves a canyon.

You deserve to be heard!”

– Dan Peek (founding member of rock band, AMERICA)