O’Connell, Bill
Random Chance, 2004, CD
Instrument: Piano
Issue: 10.3
Jazz Ruler Type: Latin
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score: 
O’s Notes: This is Latin jazz presented in bands of two to five musicians as well as an orchestra with strings. No matter what the size of the group, O’Connell has a presence on piano. He shares the spotlight with the rest of the band including headliners like Dave Valentin (fl), Bob Malach (sax) and Steve Berrios (d, congas). They open with the big band playing “Barcelona”. The stage is large and the music theatrical. “Fast Eddie” follows with an upbeat Latin beat that serves as an excellent canvas for Bill and Bob to solo over. This tune pops! Across the set we realize that Bill is quite the composer with a wealth of different textures and meters, all resulting in very good music.
