John Lenis is a bassist and educator based in Jersey City. Respected as a sensitive and skilled accompanist, he has been performing and recording with artists throughout the area and around the world for 20 years. In 2009, he joined the Nobuki Takamen Group, touring Japan extensively and appearing at Montreal, Calgary, and numerous other festivals. Their CD, “Live at Iridium,” received much praise from Japanese critics and the band frequented top New York venues for several years. He is on several albums from singer/songwriter Julia Barry and also on a recent release featuring duo performances with guitarist Adam Lomeo. Since 2012, he has also performed regularly with composer/guitarist Noshir Mody as well as the Hyeseon Hong Jazz Orchestra. Both projects have new releases scheduled for 2017.

Recent critical praise from Scott Albin, JazzTimes:

• The feeling and resonant sound of Lenis' unaccompanied intro to "Beckoned By Mercury" is remindful of masters such as Jimmy Garrison and Dave Holland, and perfectly sets the stage ...
• Lenis crafts a highly thematic and expressive improv … again stands out with his penetrating intonation and assured technique, both utilized to convey a most lucid, topical message.