News from Jamie O’Reilly
I am pleased to introduce my newest musical collaborator John Erickson, pianist, arranger, composer. We are working together on a distinctly “Jamie” set of songs. Exploring old ballads from the 1920s-40s songbird-era, revisiting classics from the American songbook, and covering songs in several Romance languages. Some of my favorite signature songs, written by Michael Smith and others, are seeing a new palette of possibility in John’s expansive touch at the keyboard.

Following our Summer Solstice concert June 21 at Center Portion n Chicago, we plan to record together in July at WFMT’s Levin Studio, with Grammy nominated recording engineer Mary Mazurek at the soundboard. Stay tuned!

John’s been playing around Chicago for awhile. I first heard him live with in concert at City Winery with the power trio Sons of the Never Wrong, and again at his Thursday night solo gig at Le Piano in Rogers Park.

A bit from John’s bio.
Recognized for his lyrical style, Chicago based pianist John Erickson’s sound could be described as a blend of Bill Evans, Bruce Hornsby, and George Winston. John strives to find a perfect balance between warm melody and adventurous jazz improvisation. His recordings range in style from contemplative solo piano originals to unique jazz trio treatments of Christmas carols and hymns.

Listen to John here. https://www.johnericksonpiano.com/