Michael O'Neill - Arrival (2024)

Best known for his work with George Benson and Ronnie Foster, guitarist Michael O’Neill shows why he’s one of LA’s first call session men on this tasty album of originals. The album bubbles over with comfort food jazz, nice and soulfully stirred, with just the right ingredients and no gimmicks. He’s teamed up with a core of John Leftich/b, Land Richards/dr, and Tom Keenlyside/sax. Simmering swinging groovers abound, with O’Neill mixing steaming and logical solos on “Writ of Habeus Corpuscle” and “Smoke On the Water (and Beyond)” His acoustic work is luxurious, graceful on “Lazin In the Haze” and relaxed for a clever read of “ Can’t Buy Me Love”.He brings in Hammondmeister Foster along with the earthy voice of Lorie V. Moore for a romping “Opposing Views” and Sadie O’Neill add styling to “Arrival”. Don’t know what else you want from a guitarist, as this guy plays it like he invented it.~ By George W. Harris