This new release ranges from blues to straight-ahead to post-bop to pop tunes to ballads, each one fully explored and deftly illuminated by O’Neal and his electrifying bandmates, bassist Ben Rubens and drummer Itay Morchi. Unlike most of his past recordings, it shows off several of O’Neal’s own compositions, some of which date back more than 20 years but have never been recorded. This is Johnny O’Neal's first studio album in 15 Years! Iconic Pianist/Vocalist overcomes struggle by choosing to embrace every precious moment. This performance features Roy Hargrove and Grant Stewart as special guests.

After attending an annual boogie-woogie concert organized by Mark Braun (Mr. B.), Monty Alexander headed a recording project that paid tribute to both boogie-woogie and spirituals. Five pianists participated, performing two numbers apiece, with four of the players (all but Alexander) playing a pair of duets. Alexander, Eric Reed, and Johnny O'Neal are better known nationally than Bob Seeley and Mark Braun, but all five pianists fare well, stretching beyond boogie-woogie and spirituals to include a few swing standards and even a bluish duet on Benny Golson's "Whisper Not." Recommended to boogie-woogie fans and the curious.