Jazz Articles about Kevin O'Connell

About Kevin O'Connell

Album Review

Kevin O'Connell Quartet: Hot New York Minutes

Read "Hot New York Minutes" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
August 13, 2023

Although Hot New York Minutes is Chicago-based pianist Kevin O'Connell's date, it could well be saxophonist Adam Brenner's, as the two share roughly equal time soloing and contribute their talents as writer and/or arranger on half a dozen of the album's ten numbers. In fact, the subtitle reads “Featuring Adam Brenner," and the album, O'Connell writes, was actually Brenner's idea after they had reunited in Chicago for a pair of impromptu jam sessions. To make it a ...

Album Review

Kevin O'Connell Quartet Featuring Adam Brenner: Hot New York Minutes

Read "Hot New York Minutes" reviewed by Neil Duggan

by Neil Duggan
June 28, 2023

Finding one's own voice as a musician is never an easy process; extending that to taking the spotlight and leading your own band is another step up. For some, it can take years. Kevin O'Connell is an example of exactly that. He has been a jazz pianist since the 1980s, working with the Clifford Jordan Quartet for six years, Vernel Fournier's trio for eight years and as a sideman in countless other projects. He has finally delivered his long overdue ...