John Mock is an American multi-instrumentalist & composer with a particular interest in maritime history and culture. He performs original compositions on guitar, concertina, mandolin, and tin whistle. Audiences are charmed not only by John’s music, but also by his storytelling and projected photography, which brings to life the characters and places upon which the music is based.

Concert Programs:

Tales of Sea & Shore - Music, Image, & Narrative with composer John Mock
“Tales of Sea & Shore” is an elegant blend of original and traditional music, stories, and photos hailing from Ireland, New England, and the waters between.

Portrait Of Ireland - Music, Image, & Narrative with composer John Mock
“Portrait Of Ireland” is similar to “Tales Of Sea & Shore”, but focuses specifically on the music, stories, and photos of Ireland.

Note: These programs are available with John Mock performing solo, or as a guest artist with an orchestra.

More About John:

New England-born, multi-instrumentalist John Mock has been one of Nashville’s first-call music professionals for over 35 years. As a producer, composer, arranger, orchestrator, sideman and solo recording artist, he is sought after by many of music’s greatest talents. Mock's recording and touring credits include the Dixie Chicks, James Taylor, Dolly Parton, Rodney Crowell, Tim O'Brien, Mark O’Connor, Nanci Griffith, Maura O’Connell, Sylvia, and Kathy Mattea among others.

While Mock’s principal instruments are guitar, tin whistle, concertina, mandolin and percussion, he often writes and arranges for a much broader pallet. John's compositions have been performed by the National Orchestra of Ireland, the Nashville Chamber Orchestra, the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Southwest Michigan Symphony. His arrangements have been performed by ensembles including the London Symphony, the National Symphony, and the symphonies of Atlanta and Nashville.

Concert Reviews:

"John's process of tying photographs of unique places along with original music is simply phenomenal. Through sound and image, he is able to create encompassing atmospheres that capture these special landscapes and stories. Whatever your age may be, a concert of John's is a wonderful experience."

- Robert Forloney, Director of Education
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
St. Michaels, MD

“Wow, what an experience.  John Mock delivered the perfect balance of stunning photography, elegant and evocative music and storytelling. The audience truly felt as if they became part of the setting and part of the music; and that old Martin guitar of his has a voice like no other.”

- Jason Morin
Director of Public Programs
Maine Maritime Museum

“What a great concert, I had never heard John before and I am hooked!! His slide show with the concert is mesmerizing. Bought the CD and am enjoying it immensely.
Looking forward to next year!!!”

- Dot Black
Board of Directors
Maine Lighthouse Museum

“… wonderfully evocative and beautifully written and performed. Audience reaction was very positive. The orchestra also really enjoyed the concert, not least because the orchestrations were superb and the materials exemplary.”

- Robin Fountain
Music Director
Southwest Michigan Symphony

“John Mock is a composer who knows how to feature the orchestra while fusing classical, folk and popular styles into powerful new works.”

- Paul Gambill,
Music Director
Nashville Chamber Orchestra

“John Mock’s pairing of his music with his photography was truly a delight. He has captured the essence of the sea, and is able to portray that through his work. The Mariners’ Museum can’t wait to have him back for another performance.

- Caroline C. Leyden,
Manager of Indoor Special Events,
The Mariners' Museum
Newport News, VA

"John Mock's concert was original, with beautiful music played on a variety of instruments. His presentation at New Jersey's tallest lighthouse, Absecon Light, was the perfect setting for his maritime, multi-media experience. It also made everyone in the audience want to travel to Ireland and other nautical places of interest featured in his concert. Bravo John! You are always welcome to perform at Absecon Lighthouse."

- Jean Muchanic
Executive Director
Absecon Lighthouse
Atlantic City, NJ

“On Sunday, August 30, about 50 members and guests of the New London Maritime Society met at the New London, Ct. Custom House, the oldest continuing functioning Custom House in the nation. There they were entertained... more accurately spellbound... by the music, photos and personal stories of John Mock, renowned multi-instrumentalist, photographer, and very generous great guy who made his home for many years on these Southern New England shores. Since then, his muse has been the sea and shores of New England, Virginia and Ireland.

In recent years, John and his lovely wife, also a professional musician, have resided and worked in Nashville with the many other musical luminaries of that area. But after experiencing his captivating concert, the organization's President expressed the desire of all in attendance: "JOHN, COME HOME."

- George Sprecace
Board president
New London Customs House Maritime Museum