A veteran jazz pianist from New York City, Bill O'Connell is a gifted soloist and bandleader known for his long-running Latin jazz big band. His lyrical approach to the instrument owes to the influences of Keith Jarrett, Bill Evans, and Herbie Hancock. That said, many of his albums underscore his talents as an arranger, bandleader, and composer, who draws inspiration from Latin jazz greats M***o Santamaria, Tito Puente, and Eddie Palmieri. A regular on the New York scene since the 1970s, he has led small trio dates including 2008's Triple Play with flutist Dave Valentin, as well as sessions with his Latin Jazz All-Stars group, including 2013's Zócalo and 2016's Heart Beat. In 2019, the pianist debuted his Afro Caribbean Ensemble on Wind off the Hudson. In 2022, responding to political, social, and environmental turmoil in the U.S., O'Connell released the topical album A Change Is Gonna Come. ~ TiVo Staff