Legendary Pianist Johnny O'Neal Plays Roscoe's Room in New Rochelle

This item initially was posted by Jewel Kinch-Thomas (Open Post) on Tarrytown Patch:

“If ever somebody sounded like Art Tatum, it’s him. He’s got it all.“ - Barry Harris

Johnny O’Neal is one of jazz music’s legendary figures because of his profound musicality and engaging persona. The Detroit-born pianist and vocalist was a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, worked with Milt Jackson, Sonny Stitt, and Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, and performed with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Brown, Nancy Wilson, and Joe Pass during a regular gig at New York’s Blue Note jazz club in the eighties.

O’Neal’s appearance in the 2004 film “Ray” soared his career to new levels. In the film, Ray Charles played by Jamie Foxx, goes to a nightclub to hear the brilliant pianist Art Tatum played by O’Neal. O’Neal’s stirring rendition of “Yesterdays” was included in the movie.

As for his singing style, which has been compared to Joe Williams, O’Neal vocalizes with a soulful authenticity that gives meaning to the lyrics.

“My jaw dropped when I heard him play piano — and then my heart dropped when I heard him sing.”-Kurt Rosenwinkel

Read recent NY Times feature on Johnny O’Neal

Johnny O’Neal, piano/vocals

Luke Sellick, bass

Charles Goold, drums

Friday December 12 7: 30 pm & 9:30 pm

$20 Buy Tickets Here

Information: 800.956.1554

Alvin & Friends Restaurant

14 Memorial Highway, New Rochelle, NY 10801

Alvin & Friends, Zagat rated 26 for food, 26 for décor and 26 for service, and named by Westchester Magazine as one of the “Best of Westchester” for 2013 – offers a menu influenced by Southern and Caribbean flavors in a sophisticated space, both elegant and comfortable.

(A 3-minute walk from Metro North station)