John Stowell began his successful career in the early 1970’s with private study with guitarist Linc Chamberland and pianist John Mehegan. Both men were valuable mentors to John, allowing him to play with them as he progressed in his development. Several years later he met bassist David Friesen in New York City, and they formed a duo that recorded and toured prolifically for seven years, with performances in the United States,Canada, Europe and Australia. The duo continues to perform thirty years after their first meeting.

In 1983, John and David joined flutist Paul Horn and Paul’s son Robin Horn (on drums) for a historic tour of the Soviet Union. This was the first time in forty years that an American jazz group had been invited to play public performances in Russia. In 1993, 1995, and 1998 John returned to Russia, playing in numerous cities. His two sold-out performances in Kursk may have been the first appearances there by an American jazz musician.

John continues to tour, record and teach internationally. He has been Artist-In-Residence at schools in Germany, Indonesia, Argentina, and in the United States and Canada. He served as assistant director and performer in Oregon Public Broadcasting’s PDX Jazz Summit in 1991, and since 1995 has been a contributing columnist for a number of magazines, including “Downbeat”, “Guitar Player”, Canadian Musician”, “Soundcheck” (Germany), and “Guitar Club” (Italy).

With bassist David Friesen, featured of the soundtracks of two Academy Award Nominated short films (Will Vinton Studios, Portland, OR, and Bosustow Studios, Los Angeles, CA)
“Through the Listening Glass” with David Friesen chosen of the “Ten Best Jazz Albums of the Decade” by the Los Angeles Examiner
Chosen “Talent Deserving Wider Recognition” by Downbeat’s International Critic’s Poll, 1978 and 1979
Featured in Japan’s “Swing Journal” , “The Jazz Guitar” (Ashely Mark Publishing, England), and the Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz (Leonard Feather and Ira Gitler).
Appearances on BET Jazz Discovery and Guitar Series television shows
Recording/Performance Credits: Milt Jackson, Lionel Hampton, Art Farmer, Conte Condoli, Herb Ellis, Bill Watrous, Mundell Lowe, George Cables, Billy Higgins, Billy Hart, Richie Cole, Paul Horn, Tom Harrrell, Don Thompson, Dave Liebman, and many others.

"The quality of your playing impresses me very much. You have great taste and sensitivity. You’re a true musician, and I would add, a true jazz musician”.
- Lalo Schifrin

“In the age of mediocrity and clones, John Stowell’s uniqueness and originality are a breath of fresh air. I love playing with him.”
- Paul Horn

“John Stowell plays jazz, but he doesn’t use any of the clichés; he has an incredible originality. John is a master creator.”
- Larry Coryell

“I’ve been a fan of John Stowell’s for some time.”
- Mundell Lowe

“More guitarists would play like John Stowell if they knew how.”
- Herb Ellis

“Can make an electric guitar sound like a singing voice.”
- Nat Hentoff

“Guitarist John Stowell’s style with standards is a delightful departure from the road well traveled. He transcends the label of jazz guitarist.”
- Los Angeles Times

“He plays his amplified guitar as if he were surrounded by fine crystal… the type of slow burning, sustained energy that you hear in players that practice all the time.”
- Downbeat

“John Stowell’s approach to harmony that is uniquely his own.”
- Just Jazz Guitar

"Stowell played beautifully, combining his trademark creamy chord voicings with long, sinewy phrases."
- Seattle Times

"...darkly singing understatements..."
- Down Beat (record review)

"Stowell made his electric guitar sing beautifully, displaying all the virtosity that has brought him to the jazz world's attention in recent years."
- Coda Magazine, Toronto