Oliver Jones

Oliver Jones (born 1934) did not release his debut album until shortly before his 50th birthday. Much of his music career (1964 to 1980) had been spent in Puerto Rico as musical director for calypso singer, Kenny Hamilton, and it wasn’t until returning to his home town Montreal, that he became serious about a jazz career. Jones took up the piano at the age of eight, studying with Oscar Peterson‘s sister, Daisy. His first performance experience was at church, and performing as a novelty piano act (complete with dancing) around Montreal.

On returning to Montreal from his time with Hamilton in Puerto Rico, he secured a job as resident pianist at bass player Charlie Biddle’s club. One night in 1983, Jim West was having dinner in the club and heard Jones’ trio for the first time. West had been toying with the idea of a lable, and on discovering that the pianist had never recorded, determined to make the trio his debut release. The resultant ‘Live at Biddle’s Jazz & Ribs’ was successful enough that both Jones and the label were vaulted to first national and then international recognition. The piano player and label have collaborated on a further two dozen recordings together, often with guest musicians of the calibre of Clark Terry, Herb Ellis and a duo album with Hank Jones.

Jones has toured the world many times since his late start as a full-time jazz musician. He has won two Juno awards and been nominated another nine times, and has received many more awards and honours in Canada.

Key Recordings:

Just In Time (Justin Time 1997)
Pleased To Meet You (Justin Time 1997) with Hank Jones