Liner notes piano refuge
As a drummer playing and studying in NYC for the last seven years, I have had the privilege of working with some great piano players. One of them was piano genius Johnny O'Neal, whose trio I was the drummer for from 2011-2013. After learning what the songs sound like from the drum chair, it was only a matter of knowing where to put my hands on the piano to play them. Many hours were spent internalizing the melodies and chord voicing so unselfishly shown to me by Johnny. This time was sort of a refuge from the high highs and low lows of life in the city. On and off the bandstand, in and out of love. I'm hoping others will find solace, beauty and intriguing thoughts from the sounds herein. In addition to my eternal gratitude to Johnny O'Neal, I must also thank drummer Billy Kaye for connecting me with Horace Silver's music, and Sacha Perry for showing me Monk's Mood.
Peace,
Sharif
