Phil O'Neal

About

"Everything that I write begins at the piano."

This simple musical philosophy is the foundation on which singer/songwriter/pianist, Phil O’Neal has based his sound. A simple philosophy doesn’t mean simple music though, as his mixture of R&B, soul, gospel, jazz & hip-hop is delightfully unique and complex. Instead of relying on intricate production techniques and studio trickery, Phil O’Neal embraces real musicianship in the form of complex harmonies, smooth progressions, and grooving bass lines; all played as acoustically as possible.

Born into a musical household in Galveston, Texas, O’Neal was introduced to singing through his mother’s performances in the Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, and his father’s extensive record collection. After embracing the joy of performing for live audiences by singing for his fellow classmates in the 8th grade, O’Neal knew that this was the path he wanted his life to take. His respect and admiration for artists like Stevie Wonder, Donnie Hathaway, & Brian McKnight, led him to begin playing the piano when he was eighteen so he could accompany his own voice.

The piano would continue to shape O’Neal’s life as he found himself enrolled at Prairie View A&M University, where he would graduate from with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Music (specifically the piano). O’Neal’s time at his alma mater was not just a learning experience, it was a life experience; everything he took from there served to help make him more dedicated to his craft and even more talented as a musician.

Now he finds himself in the position to record his own music, and his debut single is currently available on iTunes, Amazon.com & CDbaby.com. Entitled, “Change (We Must Go!) this original song capitalizes on O’Neal’s experience in listening to and playing gospel, jazz, and R&B music, to create what has been called by critics, “a smooth R&B number…a prayer asking for help and unity to fix the nation’s problems.” O’Neal’s performance was also highlighted by music critic, Kelly O’Neil, as she described his voice as “strong, soulful with a nice dynamic range.”

Phil O’Neal has been passionate about music for his entire life. This passion has driven him to create music that is real in every sense of the word; filled with real talent, real musicianship, real emotion, and real meaning. As his debut single, “Change (We Must Go!)” shows, O’Neal is capable of producing beautifully complex music, and it all begins with a man, his voice, and his piano.

Influences

R&B/Soul-Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Luther Vandross, Howard Hewitt, Glenn Jones, Maxwell, Brian McKnight, Boyz II Men

Jazz-Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, George Benson, Al Jarreau

Gospel-Commissioned, Take 6, Daryl Coley, Smokie Norful, Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp

What to Expect

An audience member should expect to see me playing the keyboard & singing.

Performance Schedule

Past Booked Dates:

08-17-2011 — Banatu Ethiopian Restaurant/Richardson, TX

Available for Your

Anniversary Party, Bar/Lounge, Birthday Party, Casting Call, Christmas Party, Church Service, Club/Nightclub, Competition, Concert Venue, Convention, Corporate Event, Dinner Dance, Fair, Festival, Fundraiser, Funeral Service, Holiday Party, Hotel, Luncheon/Tea, Private Party, Restaurant, Reunion, Studio Session, Wedding Ceremony, Wedding Cocktail Hour, Wedding Reception

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