Bill O’Connell is a renowned pianist, composer, and bandleader with a career spanning nearly 50 years. Known for his mastery of both jazz and Latin jazz, he has recorded 18 albums as a leader and collaborated with legends like Mongo Santamaría and Dave Valentín. O'Connell’s unique blend of virtuosity and versatility has made him a respected figure in the jazz world.

Touch is his 19th album as a leader and was inspired by a desire to return to the jazz trio format, something he first explored in his 1978 debut album Searching ». Recorded with an outstanding trio featuring legends Santi Debriano on bass and Billy Hart on drums.

”In New York City, where jazz is a religion as well as a commercial venture, pianist and composer Bill O’Connell is known as a musician’s musician. He could be called the High Priest of Jazz Piano, except that O’Connell is much too humble for such grandiose declarations. Primarily, he speaks through his instrument in clean lines, harmonic brilliance, perfect tone, and melodies that tickle the heart and sear the soul. It’s all here on Touch, the album you hold in your hand.”
T.J. English
(Best-selling author and jazz aficionado)

SIDE A:

1. Touch (B. O’Connell) 5:41
2. Maiden Voyage (H. Hancock) 6:24
3. Around And Around (B. O’Connell) 5:40
4. Cay-Man (B. O’Connell) 4:49

SIDE B:

5. 85th Street (B. O’Connell) 6:27
6. So Beautiful, So Sad (B. O’Connell) 6:57
7. Three Little Words (H. Ruby, B. Kalmar) 8:22

DELUXE VERSION (CD & Digital)

8. El Junque (S. Debriano) 7:01
9. Sea Glass (B. O’Connell) 6:46
10. I Hear A Rhapsody (J. Baker, G. Fragos, D. Gasparre) - 5:43
11. Billy’s Blues (B. O’Connell) - 7:23

Total 71:13

Produced by Simon Belelty for Jojo Records

Recorded by Maureen Sickler
Mixed and Mastered by Andreas Meyer

Recorded at Van Gelder Studio (New Jersey)

Cover Photo by Dan Balilty