"Jon Cleary is the ninth wonder
of the world." - Bonnie Raitt
"Quite possibly the tightest funkiest band in a city swarming with such superlatives." - Christopher Blagg, OffBeat
New CD OCCAPELLA (April 17, 2012) features imaginative remakes from the legendary Allen Toussaint's songbook along with guest appearances by Bonnie Raitt, Dr. John, and others
♦ 2012 OffBeat Magazine Best of the Beat Award Nominee for Best Piano/Keyboardist - an impressive fourth year in a row. Band members James Singleton and Matt Perrine were also nominated for Best Bass Player and Best Tuba / Sousaphonist respectively.
♦ 2012 Blues Music Award Nominee - Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year (3rd nomination in this category)
♦ 2011 OffBeat Best of the Beat Award Nominee for Best Piano/Keyboardist
♦ 2011 - named among the Best Keyboards in Blues Matters (UK) International Writer's Poll
In the hallowed ranks of New Orleans "piano professors," Jon Cleary is on the tenure track. Born in England and bred in New Orleans, Jon Cleary is a triple threat combining soulful vocals, masterful piano skills, and a knack for composing infectious grooves with melodic hooks and sharp lyrics. He balances performing - solo on piano, with his new trio The Philthy Phew and noted funk band The Absolute Monster Gentlemen - alongside a longstanding career as a notorious hired gun with the likes of John Scofield and Eric Clapton. His performing and recording credits also include work with B.B. King, D'Angelo, Taj Mahal, Keb Mo, India Arie, Ryan Adams, and former band leader Bonnie Raitt who has covered Cleary originals ("Fool's Game," "Monkey Business," "Unnecessarily Mercenary," and "Love on One Condition").
Earlier releases include Mo Hippa (2008), Pin Your Spin (2004), Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen (2002), Moonburn (1999), and Alligator Lips & Dirty Rice (1994).
