Jim McNeely

Jim McNeely, a pianist noted for his harmonic sophistication and an arranger still honing his craft, established several significant musical partnerships over the course of his career. Upon completing his studies at the University of Illinois, he worked with Ted Curson from 1976 to 1978 and became a key contributor to the Mel Lewis Orchestra from 1978 to 1984, Stan Getz’s Quartet from 1981 to 1985, and the Phil Woods Quintet for much of the 1990s. McNeely has also performed with Bobby Watson, Art Farmer, Joe Henderson, and his own trios while supplying arrangements for the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, and he has documented his work as a leader on sessions for SteepleChase in 1976 as well as Gatemouth, Owl, and Concord.