LANSING, MI — Promoter Danny McDaniel is bringing Brian O’Neal to the Cadillac Club on February 29, 2008 at 9:00 p.m. This will be an extraordinary opportunity to see jazz at its best.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Brian O’Neal first discovered his love for music at the tender age of six, when he began taking drum lessons. Although Brian (known to his friends as “Bean”) learned to play many instruments including saxophone, bass, and trombone, he aspired to be a professional drummer until his sophomore year in high school, when his grandmother “Daisy” purchased his first piano at age sixteen. Brian’s excitement for piano developed from experimenting with melodies and chords. His skills matured, developing him into a self-taught pianist. He received a full piano/music scholarship to Alcorn State University in 1984.
During the mid-eighties, Brian began experimenting with jingles. His love for movies and children inspired him to write film scores and music for youthful audiences. While writing jingles for companies such as McDonalds Corporation, Brian was also in demand to tour with several bands. He’s been a member of two Rock bands, four Top-40 bands, and currently a Contemporary Jazz band music director. Brian has also shared the stage with artists such as Will Downing, Morris Day and the Time, India.Arie, Fantasia, Angela Bofill, Monica, Me’Shell Ndegeocello, Magic Johnson, Rachelle Ferrell, The Isley Brothers, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Alex Bugnon, George Duke Pieces of a Dream, Ruben Studdard, Chaka Kahn, Stevie Wonder, Najee, and Jeff Lorber.
In 1994 Brian ventured from Michigan to Atlanta, GA to start his own production company called BCO Media, Inc. Brian has produced music for Kathy Avalon, UNV, Kem, Mark Marcell, Eddie Oliver, Tiye Mahammad and a host of other up and coming talents alike. He was a member of the local Atlanta Jazz group called ¡§Take Notes¡¨ and has written most of their original pieces.
His recent CD compilation is titled "Daisy." "Daisy" pays tribute to his late grandmother Daisy O’Neal who both influenced and nurtured his musical endeavors. It expresses a multifaceted array of compilations, polished flavor and much more. On it, he exploits his versatility with an explosive composition called "Daisy" the title track of his newly release sophomore CD, as well as the melodic sound of the track “No Words Necessary” which symphonically takes you on a magical journey of self expression without words. The song titled "Mesmerized" is one of his favorite musical productions, which sustains an array of positive energies from all who embark upon it. As a writer, producer, composer, and performer, Brian has a keen natural ability to create musical landmarks that bring out a variety of moods and emotions. His musical influences including Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, The Artist, and Stevie Wonder helped shape his desire to pursue a career as a professional musician. Brian’s hard work and determination are what ripened the skills that he has acquired over the past 20 years. Brian is truly a remarkably talented musician who sees no limit to music artistry.
Tickets are $25.00 at the door and $20.00 in advance. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Oak Park YMCA. For more information or to purchase tickets, call Danny McDaniel at 517-512-9526 or the Cadillac Club at 517-853-1915.
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