ABOUT
(Photo by Ross Feighery)
Chicago, IL native, J. Golko
has forged a unique and diverse skill set as a musician, composer, and performer.
Throughout the 20+ years of his musical career, Golko has traveled to all 7 continents, worked with a who's-who of the entertainment industry, and continues to push his limits as a multi-instrumentalist;
most notably on ‘Earth's Longest Stringed Instrument,’ the “Earth Harp.”
Using the saxophone as a springboard into a life of multi-instrumentalism, world travel, and musical milestones,
Golko has had the honor of studying with, performing for, and entertaining with:
Philip Bailey/Maurice White + Earth, Wind & Fire, Quincy Jones, Dave Koz, Victor Vanacore, David Foster, Rickey Minor, Herbie Hancock, James Moody, Steve Winwood, Howard Shore, George Duke, Jeff Lorber, Clark Terry, Christian Scott, Nancy Wilson, Patti LeBelle, Patti Austin, Melissa Manchester, Layla Hathaway, Angelique Kidjo, Rosa Passos, Maña, Paula Cole, Ben E. King, Gamble & Huff, John Avila, Richard Gibbs, Weezer, Rob Lewis, Gloria Estevan, John Legend, Kanye West, William Close (inventor of the Earth Harp) + more.
With over 20-years
of experience
in reading sheet music, improvisation, and a continually growing collection of musical instruments, behold a one-stop-shop for SATB saxes, clarinet, bass clarinet, flute, piccolo, EWI (MIDI wind controller), and more.
Ranging from classical and chamber ensembles to jazz big bands and large commercial productions, the benefits of a singular "doubler" allows the band leader, orchestrator, or contractor the ability to provide their productions with a full-spectrum sonic palette, balanced with diverse timbres of dynamically powerful expression.
Educational & Professional Experience:
GRAMMY Camp 2006-2007;
Berklee College of Music 2007-2010;
Holland America Line, Celebrity
& Royal Caribbean 2011-2016, 2019;
L.A. Theater 2017-2018;
Chicago Theater 2019-2020
Poplar Creek Public Library District
[Music Technology & Infotainment Presenter] - 2020-present
Chicago Theater 2021-present:
Billy Elliot (woodwinds)
Teatro ZinZanni & Cabaret ZaZou (woodwinds, keyboard, percussion)
Rock of Ages (bass guitar)
Shrek: The Musical & Young Frankenstein (woodwinds)
Anything Goes (woodwinds)
Jersey Boys (bass guitar)
