Johnny O'Neal
Detroit-born neo-bop jazz pianist and vocalist.
Johnny O'Neal, born in Detroit in 1956, is an American jazz pianist and vocalist in the neo-bop style. His performances can be both technically dazzling and deeply tender. Though his sound is his own, he draws from jazz greats like Oscar Peterson and Art Tatum. In 1997, he was inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 10 October 1956
- Origin
- Detroit, Michigan, United States
- Instrument
- Piano
- Vibes
- vocals
- Genre
- Jazz
- R & B
- gospel
- Occupation
- Musician
- Label
- Concord Jazz
- Parkwood
- Justin Time
- Jazzabel
- Associated acts
- Magic City Jazz Orchestra; Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- O'Neal was born on October 10, 1956 in Detroit, Michigan.
- On Oscar Peterson's recommendation, O'Neal portrayed Art Tatum in the 2004 movie Ray, recreating Tatum's sound on the song 'Yesterdays.'
Life and career
In 1974, O'Neal moved to Birmingham, Alabama, where he worked as a full-time musician. In Birmingham he worked with local jazz musicians, such as Jerry Grundhofer, Dave Amaral, Cleveland Eaton, and Ray Reach. He moved to New York City to perform with Clark Terry in 1981, and also landed a regular job at the Blue Note, accompanying such musicians as Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Brown, Nancy Wilson, Joe Pass and Kenny Burrell. He was a member of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers for two years from 1982 to 1983 and made his Carnegie Hall debut in 1985.
On the recommendation of Oscar Peterson, O'Neal portrayed Art Tatum in the 2004 movie Ray, recreating Tatum's sound on the song "Yesterdays." A 2006 DVD Tight captured O'Neal at the height of his powers. Included is an interview with pianist Mulgrew Miller, who stated, "In my generation of musicians there are two who are probably the most naturally talented. They both happen to be from Detroit.
One is Kenny Garrett, the well-known saxophonist. The other is pianist Johnny O'Neal." On June 10 and 11, 2016 O'Neal was featured in "Lush Life: Celebrating Billy Strayhorn," performing with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. He received a standing ovation.
Playing style
"There are so many outstanding things about Johnny's playing. Two or three of the most outstanding: number one, the touch. Johnny has a million dollar touch. Very few people touch the piano like that to get that kind of sound and feeling ... The other thing is his feeling of swing, which is so natural."
Discography
1983: Coming Out (Concord Jazz) 1985: Soulful Swinging (Parkwood) 1985: Live at Baker's Keyboard Lounge (Parkwood) 1995: On the Montreal Scene (Justin Time) 2002: In Good Hands (Jazzabel) 2013: Live at Smalls 2017: In The Moment With Art Blakey 1982: Oh-By the Way (Timeless)
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