Bill O'Connell - Monk's Cha-cha - Solo Piano Live - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Montauk-the easternmost point of Long Island-has enjoyed a reputation as an idyllic land of the lotus and poppy but now is fully woven in to the Hamptons summer scene. The charms and views associated with that coastal existence served as a backdrop for the creation of this recording. Notable for a number of reasons-as the first live band date in a lengthy discography, and a first on-record meeting with drumming icon Billy Hart-this O'Connell session stands out. Recorded live at the Hamptons Jazz Fest, with an outfit of top-flight artists including saxophonist Craig Handy and bassist Santi Debriano, the performance was further heightened by the appearance of ebullient trumpeter Randy Brecker and the enthusiasm of attentive and engaged listeners. InchPlaying live brings out different things in each musician,Inch observes O'Connell. InchSo I was very happy to do this and I think it was a great night with everybody on their A-game.Inch

Bill O'Connell - Zocalo [COMPACT DISCS] date 09/24/2013

2018 . Bill O'Connell's pianism has always been known for it's razor-sharp rhythmic sense, clean articulation and phrasing which is as affectionate as it is unfussy. And although the idiom often demands fire and verve one must never lose sight of O'Connell's graceful dynamics which give his lines interesting twists and turns that dart and swerve with spontaneous freedom. With friends like Randy Brecker, Craig Handy, Conrad Herwig, Andrea Brachfeld and Dan Carillo on hand, Jazz Latin is more than a , it is an event.