fasstrack Posted October 31, 2011 Report Share Posted October 31, 2011 (edited) Hadn't heard him in over 25 years. Last time was when he blew into the Jazz Cultural Theater. I remember we jammed that night around '85 b/c it was a jam session night and I was in the house band. Johnny sounded great, but back then he was more player than listener. I remember yielding to him and laying out b/c there was no room for a guitar. But did he play 'beaucoup piano' Sometimes you just step aside and let a MF have his night. And O 'Neal was out to show the world what they were missing. He was on fire! He ended around 7 AM singing Soldiers for the Lord-rhythm section collapsing, looking like they had taken a shvitz! Owner Barry Harris and Monty Alexander-also passing through-were standing in back. Monty said 'what are we gonna do with him?' Barry replied 'Tie him down'. So to last night. Smalls. it's Johnny O'Neal! An old-school entertainer! Still plays a gang of piano. But he spelled himself, singing in a winsome baritone. And he warmed the crowd up, owned'em from the 1st tune. 'That's Entertainment!' Edited October 31, 2011 by fasstrack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete C Posted October 31, 2011 Report Share Posted October 31, 2011 I hadn't heard of him when I caught him at a Montreal festival jam session about 15 years ago. He blew me away. He had lived in Montreal for some time before, but at that time was living in St. Louis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AllenLowe Posted October 31, 2011 Report Share Posted October 31, 2011 it was Barry Harris who first told me about him, year ago, he said: "he's got chops like Tatum but he'll never leave Detroit." Glad he made it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Gould Posted October 31, 2011 Report Share Posted October 31, 2011 Here's hoping the Small's gig will be available for streaming soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fasstrack Posted October 31, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 31, 2011 Here's hoping the Small's gig will be available for streaming soon. It takes a minute. My last gig in May wasn't up for months. But Johnny's a regular. Check the site for past shows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Brown Posted October 31, 2011 Report Share Posted October 31, 2011 God, it must be at least 25 years since Johnny O'Neal played a two-week solo piano engagement at the Cafe des Copains here in Toronto. Still remember photographer Paul Hoeffler and I taking Johnny to a late night Chinese restaurant for dinner after after the gig one night. A nice guy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marcello Posted October 31, 2011 Report Share Posted October 31, 2011 I first heard him with Art Blakey and then Milt Jackson. I've heard him a few times recently with his own trio and then in a duo with Mulgrew Milller. Very good pianist and a a fine entertainer, although I wish he would play more and sing a little less. I know he's living in NYC now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fasstrack Posted November 1, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 1, 2011 (edited) I first heard him with Art Blakey and then Milt Jackson. I've heard him a few times recently with his own trio and then in a duo with Mulgrew Milller. Very good pianist and a a fine entertainer, although I wish he would play more and sing a little less. I know he's living in NYC now. Singing by musicians is controversial w/fans. But many of us wish we could sing. I myself am certainly in that category-being into song, songwriting, the ASB. It breaks it up and is charming when we sing IMO.And Johnny has a real talent and smooth voice. He sang When October Goes (Manilow-yes THAT Manilow/Mercer). No one could touch Nancy Lamott's version IMO, but he held his own-and the crowd, including me. Edited April 29, 2013 by fasstrack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete C Posted November 1, 2011 Report Share Posted November 1, 2011 O'Neal's a good singer. But why did guys like Tony Williams and Chico Hamilton try to sing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fasstrack Posted November 1, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 1, 2011 See below. And add self-expession, haminess, and a seemingly botomless need for attention. Mommies out there: take heed. This is what happens when the kid doesn't get hugged enough... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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