Born on September 11, 1934, Oliver Jones' first public concert took place when he was five years old, with this first club date about four years later. Twelve years of private studies with Daisy Peterson Sweeney (sister of Oscar Peterson) led to a career in music, but it wasn't until 1980 that Oliver started his career in jazz. Today he is one of the most sought-after pianists in the world, internationally acclaimed as widely-loved by audiences and critics alike.
June of 1993 marked the release of Oliver's second solo recording, (and eleventh release for Justin Time) Just 88, which was recorded in New Orleans. The session resulted in such solo gems as "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" and "Willow Weep For Me", as well as Jones originals "Blues For Laurentian U" and "Dizzy-Nest".
A Class Act, his previous recording for Justin Time, featured drummer (and Oscar Peterson alumni) Ed Thigpen and bassist Steve Wallace. Recorded and mixed in Montréal, it was released in Canada in June, 1991 and shortly thereafter in the United States.
In 1992 Oliver took part in the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal's gala closing event, which also featured the Vic Vogel Big Band and the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir. The following week Oliver performed at the Olympics '92 ceremonies in Barcelona.
Always in demand internationally, Oliver has engagements scheduled up to the end of 1996, including tours of Europe and Great Britain. In January 1993 he received the Martin Luther King Jr. Award to celebrate his contributions to the Black Community in Canada. In the same year he was awarded the Order of Québec, and in early 1994 Oliver was awarded the Order of Canada, both for "outstanding achievement in the arts". In April, 1994, at the invitation of the Canadian Government, Oliver toured several cities in China with his trio, bassist Dave Young and drummer Barry Elmes. Oliver was recently rewarded with a Felix in the "Best Jazz Album of The Year" category for Just 88.
Oliver Jones' most recent recording, Yuletide Swing (released Oct, '94), is an excellent jazz Christmas recording featuring Richard Ring, Dave Young and Wali Muhammad. You'll recognize some familiar old tunes, but performed with Jones' usual flair.
-Justin Time Records
For further information please contact: Canada: Nadine Campbell / Justin Time Records tel: (514) 738-9533 fax: (514) 737-9780 USA: Radio - Lenny Triola tel: (516) 781-2749
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Oliver Jones
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