We are delighted to feature Irish pianist, Fintan O'Neill.
What were your first experiences of Jazz in Ireland?
My first experiences were of Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Nat Cole. There was only a few radio stations so they played a little of everything. The play list could be Chopin, followed by the Beatles and then Ella. There were not many musicians in Dublin that played jazz, it was kind of an underground thing.
What inspired you to come to America - any interesting stories?
Well jazz is an African American art form so I came to listen and learn. The first week I was walking down the street and a plumber was getting tools out of his truck with his radio blaring out Coltrane. I knew I was in New York!
What are the main differences, if any, between the Irish and American jazz scenes?
Well the Irish scene today is really bouncing. There are lots of really good musicians and a knowledge base that was not there when I grew up in Dublin. Ireland in some ways is like a bridge between the USA and Europe and the music scene reflects that too. You have American influences and also influences from European folk musics. For a relatively small place Ireland has a great diversity of world music gigs happening. America, with a population 50 times greater than Ireland, has produced it’s share of geniuses so you can go and hear these players more easily here than in Ireland which is a difference but then the Cork Jazz festival has been brilliant over the last 30 years in bringing the very best jazz stars to Ireland. There are smaller but really good other jazz festivals too in Sligo, Limerick, Belfast and Dublin.
Did you feel well-received in America?
Absolutely. New Yorkers are very welcoming to new arrivals. Nobody has ever suggested I “go back where I came from”. Instead they accept you for who you are and let you be yourself. America is a great country with great people and the fact that there are problems does not change that. Previous generations had to work through difficult issues to get us where we are now so we should expect to have to stand up against the racism and injustices of today. That’s our duty.
Who/what are your main influences and why?
Well as I said, jazz is an African American music and “groove” has to be a primary influence. It’s Wynton Kelly’s bounce, the swing of people like Erroll Garner, Herbie Hancock, Mycoy Tyner, Sonny Rollins. The beauty of Bill Evans harmonies and modern masters too like Chris Potter and Fred Hersch. Brazilian music and Irish traditional music too is an influences for me and I try to incorporate that in my playing and compositions.
What music/artists are you listening to this month?
Mulgrew Miller playing Skylark at the Kennedy Center. Kenny Kirkland on Mr.JC. Keith Jarrett.
What are you looking forward to coming up? Touring/Album/particular gig
I am playing / running Jazz Tuesdays at a really cool bar called Sidetracks in Sunnyside Queens. Great whiskeys, micro brews / drink and food specials and of course jazz. We have different artists each week such as Eddie Allen, Stafford Hunter, Valerie Ponomarev, Phil Robson, Kevin Fitzgerald Burke, David O’Rourke, Jeremy Crothers. 8 -11pm Tuesdays with No Cover! Sidetracks 45-08 Queens Blvd Sunnyside, NY 11104 https://sidetracksny.com/Sunnyside-Sunnyside-Sidetracks...
Also I have a new Album just out with some standards and originals featuring Jon Irabagon, Peter Brendler, Dave Mason, Bryson Kern, Jim Robertson and Jeremy Crothers. I am delighted with the feedback I am getting on the album. Its on CD Baby and iTunes, Amazon, Spotify etc. https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/fintanoneill2
What are your experiences of KEYEDUP!? How did you hear about it? What is its general importance to the city?
I think KEYEDUP! has really identified a need in our society that few have tried to address. Live music has become a rarity in places where it used to be the norm such as clubs, bars and restaurants. A lot of younger people have never heard a live jazz group and they are very open to it once they have experienced it. Someone has got to get the music out there in front of people and KU! is doing just that by providing bars, who want to be part of something growing and special, with help in putting on great live music with wonderful musicians. KU! has created a “scene” in many venues ( where there wasn’t before ) and where locals consistently go to be part of that “hang”. It’s a cool idea and I can see KU! expanding to more venues and spreading around the country.