Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions

Jazz Faculty: Jim McNeely

Jim McNeely B.M. University of Illinois. Jim teaches a course on the Jazz Orchestra as well as piano and composition. McNeely received his first critical acclaim as pianist with Ted Curson and Chet Baker. He was the last pianist in the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra prior to Thad's departure. Jim McNeely continues his association with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and a CD of Jim's recent works is planned. A former member of the Phil Woods Quintet, many of McNeely's compositions can be heard on Concord and Mosaic Records. Jim McNeely has released eight albums under his own name and has performed on dozens more. McNeely currently leads his own trio and is closely associated with artists such as Stan Getz, Joe Henderson, Dave Liebman, and Adam Nussbaum.

Jim McNeely composes and arranges for the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band under the direction of Jon Faddis. He also continues a long association with several European orchestras, notably the West German Radio (WDR) Big Band (a recording features John Scofield) and the Stockholm Jazz Orchestra. A dedicated ecucator, McNeely serves as co-director for the BMI Jazz.
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Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions - 35 W. 4th Street, Suite 777 - New York, NY 10012 - (212) 998-5424