Johnny O'Neal - Everybody Loves Johnny O'Neal

"I initially planned to start these notes by stating that much has been written about the enigmatic, mysterious, and quirky Johnny O’Neal. However, as I reflected on those words, a contrary thought struck me: not nearly enough has been written about the immensely talented and gifted Johnny O’Neal. He’s one of those musicians that deserves more recognition than he gets, both as a singer and a pianist. In addition to that, he is one of THE finest entertainers in the business. There is not enough room in this package to expound on the virtues of Johnny O’Neal so I will keep these words brief.

This concert captures a fleeting moment in time during a jazz festival performance in Vancouver, BC, Canada, in 2018. It’s immediately apparent how comfortable the trio is and how deeply in sync Itay and Luke are with their leader. Sharp turns and quick shifts in direction demand that the bass and drum duo stays constantly alert and ready to adapt. They handle Johnny’s twists and turns brilliantly, all while continuing to swing mightily.
In my humble opinion, Johnny O’Neal is best represented on recordings made live in front of an audience. This isn’t to say that his studio albums fall short—they most certainly do not. But, the spontaneous, freewheeling, and unpredictable essence of Johnny O’Neal can sometimes feel confined within the studio setting. He truly thrives in front of an audience, feeding off their energy. And while live performances inherently invite imperfections, O’Neal’s imperfections are, well, perfect. Whether it’s a minor coughing fit, a forgotten lyric, or an improvised reaction to something he hears or feels, his playing is always swinging, always supremely musical, and always brings a smile to your face.

For this particular concert, Johnny had no idea it was being recorded, which makes everything that was happening seem more organic. Maybe if he knew it was being recorded, he would’ve done some things differently and, again in my humble opinion, the performance would have been compromised. Instead, we got a full-on show—no holds barred, fun, unencumbered, and including all the previously mentioned perfect imperfections.

Johnny O’Neal is a treasure, and this recording captures him at his finest. I’m so thrilled to be able to present this music to you".

Cory Weeds
January 2025
Vancouver BC