Johnny O’Neal Trio
Zinc Bar82 West 3rd Street, New York 10012
Johnny O’Neal brings his trio to Zinc Bar for a tribute to three fellow October 10 birthdays: Thelonious Monk, Junior Mance and Harry “Sweets” Edison. The billed trio format is all that is specified, with no individual sidemen named. Expect a program shaped by O’Neal’s command of postbop piano, his singing, and a deep connection to blues, ballads and the repertory associated with his honorees.
Detroit-born pianist and vocalist O’Neal spent time as a Jazz Messenger in the 1980s and portrayed Art Tatum in the 2004 film Ray. Zinc Bar describes his playing through “energetic leaps and fluid rhythmic shifts,” along with a “well-known command of postbop piano” and a strong sense of dynamics. It also singles out his “blues-soaked voice.” His sets can move through obscure blues, ballads and newer popular songs recast as ballads, with material linked in the venue’s account to Nat Cole, Donny Hathaway, Chaka Khan and Eubie Blake. The venue calls him “a joy to hear,” emphasizing a buoyant personality and a set list that does not settle into routine.
Zinc Bar offers a richly textured experience where the past and present of jazz converge in a single, dimly lit room adorned with Art Deco details like velvet upholstery, polished brass, and a Parisian zinc bar. The venue’s layout centers around a close-up stage and a vintage bar, creating a setting where the music is both the focus and a shared journey. Patrons can expect expertly crafted cocktails alongside performances that range from world-class jazz to vibrant Brazilian and African rhythms, often featuring multiple sets and occasional late-night jams. The seating is lounge-style, encouraging attentive listening rather than casual chatter, making it a place to immerse fully in the sound. This is a space where history lingers, once hosting legends like Billie Holiday and Thelonious Monk, now continuing their legacy with a sophisticated yet welcoming vibe.