Reviews
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER (by K. Kean)
I felt compelled to share my experience over this past weekend. I had the priviledge of attending one of the most prestigious events in the jazz circle with my mom who has attended every show each weekend in October for many years… Catalina Island Jazztrax Festival. Celebrating it’s 25th year and kicked it off with a big bang.
I have been an avid follower of jazz, smooth jazz, contemporary jazz, etc. since I can remember. I pride myself in knowing true talent and following it. When I say I didn’t know what to expect during this weekend get-away with my mom, and some of the new talent that was showcased, I mean I didn’t know what to expect.
One particular performer stood out most to me during the entire weekend, and his name is Brian O’Neal (“Bean” as he says his friends like to call him). A nickname he inherited as a teen when his father made him eat a pot of beans for coming in late one evening. When this tall, distinguished and sharply dressed individual stepped onto the stage on Sunday evening, I thought, “Nice looking guy, looks good in that suit and hat,” but I didn’t think much more of him. I was preparing myself to see Richard Elliot - a known jazz great.
However, from the first note to the last, this phenomenal keyboardist had me mesmerized by his talent, his showmanship and his humility. I watched as he engaged the audience in conversation as he tickled the keys of his S90 keyboard. The entire audience sat in awe. We had not known what to expect. Catalina is known for bringing in up and coming artist, however, very few come out and make a lasting impression upon festival goers.
This guy played as if his life depended upon it going into a rendition of James Brown’s song “I got that feeling” and segueing into a song I can simply state as “The Wow Factor” was brilliant. The high intensity of the music being played, the energy on the stage, the crowd on their feet, he pulls up 2 of Catalina’s regular festival attendees from the front row to play the shaker and the tambourine… what an exciting moment for many. I thought then what a wonderful musician this is, yet, I did not know at the time what else this musical wiz kid had in store for us. As he continued his set with great confidence and skill he got to a moment in the show that touched the heart of many. He called his mother from his cell phone right there on stage as he began to play a song written especially for her entitled “For My Mother”. Many of us felt it was a gimmick - something he throws into his show to get kudos from the audience. “No way he had his mom on the phone… who does that?” Audience members began to chant, “Speaker Phone! Speaker Phone!” and to our great surprise we instantly heard a voice echoing from the receiver of his iPhone saying, “Yes, I’m here!” The crowd went wild, stood to their feet in applause and still didn’t realize that moment was but a mere moment in what was to come.
When this melodic pianist went into his rendition of the song “For My Mother” he commanded the attention of all eyes and ears. The melody was soothing. The flow was flawless. The climax was brilliant and again had the crowd to their feet. You felt the passion and love he felt for his mother in every keystroke he took. We looked on in amazement asking ourselves at that very moment where has this man been? Why are we just now hearing about him?
As if that were not enough, we were introduced to a side that you don’t see in many in the smooth jazz genre. Many musicians give back to other organizations in an effort to help or for a sense of giving, however, not many talk the talk and walk the walk. O’Neal began to speak to us about his true passion in life, which was not just music, although a remarkable talent in his own right. He had a purpose greater than that which he shared with us on Catalina Island October 9th, 2011. And that is for the homeless. He spoke to us about his vision, his purpose, and how he and his manager speer-headed that purpose into an organization called “DO Foundation”, which is based out of his hometown in Michigan yet, services those in need across the country. He shared how ALL, not some of his proceeds from music, but ALL of his proceeds from music go directly into the foundation in which he founded. Again, as we sat in awe at the humility of this talented and compassionate being before us, as we witnessed the genuineness of his love and care for our fellow humans, we did not know to which was in store next.
Instantly he stopped speaking and began to go into a soothing peaceful, heartfelt piano melody, accompanied only by an acoustic guitar. A song he stated was written out of his passion for the homeless. I don’t believe that you heard a single word, cough or movement as the sounds echoed throughout that beautiful and historic ballroom. Eyes and mouths were hanging wide as we watched the guitarist strap on a electric guitar, the drummer began a heart pounding beat, and O’Neal began to play as if this song would change the life of every homeless individual within earshot of it. Again, the crowd went wild. Tears falling. Hands clapping. Screams echoing… “Dreams In Color” was the name and appropriately named it was as it took you on a colorful journey into the passion that he felt for others.
We were sold - we were all sold. He didn’t have to play another note. Ending the show with an upbeat tune, we stood and danced and clapped as we wished it didn’t have to end.
This artist is the epitome of what jazz is, was and should find again. His music spoke to our hearts and souls. Each note said something to each of us. It was shown and reflected in our reaction. For so long we have lost the thrill of music, the passion behind the playing and on this night, it was found again. I was truly satisfied with what I’d seen and heard and look forward to the days I can witness this phenomenal performer again. Brian O’Neal… smooth jazz incarnate.
Okay! Now I feel much better. I needed to get this out of me. I haven’t typed this much since my days in school. I have to thank my mom for making this weekend the best ever. Catalina Island was amazingly beautiful. That Mushroom Steak Burger I had at El Galeon Restaurant was to die for. Thank you Brian for making my last night on the island a night to remember!
K. Kean
