An artist who “has carved out a distinctive niche on the San Francisco Bay Area jazz scene” (JazzTimes), saxophonist Michael O’Neill has established a career built on a masterful command of the instrument and an impressive versatility as a composer – freely working within jazz, orchestral, and film score settings. The former student of Joe Henderson has amassed a considerable resume as a sideman, logging hours on the bandstand with the likes of Idris Muhammad, Joe Locke, Michael Wolff, Eddie Fisher, and Kim Nalley, and has led what is arguably the most durable and beloved working quintet in the area for nearly 20 years.
The sextet led by master saxophonist O’Neill is joined by former Santana vocalist Tony Lindsay, John R. Burr, piano; Dan Feiszli, bass; Jason Lewis, drums; Omar Ledezma, percussion; Erik Jekabson, trumpet/ flugelhorn.
They come together to celebrate the release of their new CD Synergy, which has received rave reviews:
Tony Lindsay has one of those rich, full, warm voices that intoxicates as soon as you hear him sing. He is an 11-time Grammy winning vocalist, legendary for his long tenure with the popular Santana group. As Michael O’Neill and Erik Jekabson lay down a strong, harmonic horn groove, O’Neill’s voice floats above them, warm as sunshine. He draws us into this Latin-tinged arrangement of the popular Bill Withers tune, “A Lovely Day.” John R Burr takes a spirited solo on piano, followed by Erik Jekabson’s power-packed trumpet improvisation. Michael O’Neill dances into the spotlight on soprano saxophone and the band gives the drummers some space to shine. Percussionist Omar Ledezma shows off his percussive skills, locking in with the drums of Jason Lewis. This is a great, energetic way to start Michael O’Neill’s Sextet album.