Jim McNeely

A harmonically advanced pianist and a developing arranger, Jim McNeely had a number of notable musical associations in his career. After graduating from the University of Illinois, McNeely had a stint with Ted Curson (1976-1978) and was an important member of the Mel Lewis Orchestra (1978-1984), Stan Getz's Quartet (1981-1985), and, during much of the 1990s, the Phil Woods Quintet. McNeely, who also played with Bobby Watson, Art Farmer, Joe Henderson, also headlined in his own trios, in addition to writing for the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, and led recording sessions for the SteepleChase (1976), Gatemouth, Owl, and Concord labels.