CD review: Johnny O’Neal Trio – Live at the Whitaker Jazz Festival 2020: Video, CD cover

Johnny O’Neill is renowned for his unique performing style, which combines incredible technical virtuosity and gentle ballad melody.

Jazz legends – Oscar Peterson and Art Tatum – have had a noticeable influence on his work. The pianist, long recognized as a true icon of neo-bop, has shared stage and recorded with such stars as guitarist Russel Malone and trumpet player Clark Terry.

Since 1981, Detroit native Johnny O’Neill moved to New York, where he got a permanent job at the legendary Blue Note club. Here he accompanied Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Brown, Nancy Wilson, Joe Pass and Kenny Burrell. Together with Art Blakey Jazz Messengers, O’Neill performed from 1982 to 1983, and in 1985 he made his debut at Carnegie Hall, a hall that is a real Mecca for musicians around the world.

On the recommendation of Oscar Peterson, Johnny O’Neill took part in the filming of the Oscar-winning film Ray (2004), where he splendidly played the role of his idol and teacher, the pianist Art Tatum.

Despite his advanced age, Johnny O’Neill continues to perform actively. During his recent concert with the famous Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra under the baton of Winton Marsalis, the pianist received a standing ovation.

01. Saving All My Love for You (Live)
02. First Time on a Ferris Wheel (Live)
03. Tight (Live)
04. Overjoyed (Live)
05. Sudan Blue (Live)
06. My Baby Won’t Behave (LIve)
07. Just Friends (Live)
08. Morning (Live)
09. She Doesn’t Know I Love Her (Live)
10. All My Tomorrow’s (Live)
11. Fungii Mama (Live)
12. When My Work is Through (Live)
13. Someone to Watch Over Me (Live)
14. Congratulations (Live)
15. Same Old Story (Live)

Johnny O’Neal piano
Jeff Anderson double bass
Tommy Crane drums