SPIRE LOBBY SERIES: O’NEAL ARMSTRONG

Presented by The Antonia and Vladimir Kulaev Cultural Heritage Fund.

This series showcases local and regional musicians in a relaxed and intimate setting. The lobby is transformed into a 70-seat showcase lounge!

“ONeal Armstrong” is Freestyle Music, Jazz, Funk, Jam, Rock

Charlie O’Neal- (Guitar)

Since 1987 this versatile, self-taught musician has been playing, touring and recording from coast to coast. No genre of playing defines him as his versatility and interests touch all ranges of the spectrum. He has played on recordings with Nathan East and Eric Clapton and has played and toured with a diverse range of musicians, from the late Benjamin Orr, formerly of The Cars, to Restless/BMG recording artist, Michael Sweet. From the Fall of 2002 – the Summer 2003, Charlie toured the U.S. and Europe with Wind Up recording artists MUST. They toured with Aerosmith, Stone Temple Pilots and Kid Rock among others. Charlie has also dabbled in movie scores, and his original music appeared in the Lion’s Gate film, Sabertooth. His musical influences include: Jimi Hendrix, Charlie Christian, Django Reinhardt, Charlie Parker, Albert King, The Edge, Jimmy Page, John Coltrane, Jeff Beck and Joe Pass.
Rick O’Neal – (Bass)

Rick ONeal is a musician who happens to play bass. A guitarist, bassist, singer, and composer, he is constantly putting his stamp on anything he touches (he just happens to adore 5-string bass). Rick got his first break as the bassist for the late Ben Orr, formerly of The Cars. Orr, Bens solo band, performed Cars hits and new solo material nationwide, He was also on Grammy Nominated (GET INSIDE) with Favored Nations Recording artist, Johnny A. Rick’s name is synonymous with the word support. He has toured extensively with both Johnny A and many others, headlining and opening for Kansas, Jefferson Starship, BTO, Cheap Trick, B.B. King, Etta James, George Thorogood, Shawn Mullins, The Iguanas, Vernon Reid, Little Feat, Garbage,Peter Frampton, Buddy Guy, Eddie Money, Midnight Oil, Lisa Loeb and Bonnie Raitt. . Rick served 3 years as the bass player supporting the EGB (Evan Goodrow Band). When Rick os not playing with ONeal Armstrong he play with Root-Rock band Delta Generators. Rick’s Bass influences include: Jaco Pastorious, Rocco Prestia, Tony Levin, James Jamerson, Sting, Flea, Victor Wooten, Mic Demopoulos and Phillip Bynoe.

Jeff (J.J. )Armstrong- (Drums)

It has been twenty-seven years since J.J. Armstrong was thrown into the river of life. All along, J.J. looks to music as his supreme guide. As he flows along with the river, he is empowered by his love of sound, and freedom of expression. Since graduating from Berklee College of Music in 2000, J.J. has played with many local artists. J.J. has enjoyed his tenure on the Boston music scene, but now heads downstream, following the great innovators and gurus that inspire him. Some of J.J.’s heroes are: Elvin Jones, Bob Moses, Tisziji Munoz, John Bonham, Tony Williams, Fela Kuti, Jimi Hendrix, John Coltrane, and the list goes on. As the river widens, J.J. continues his journey toward the ocean. J.J. would like to thank Kurt Armstrong for his songwriting “guru-ism”, and Karen Armstrong for her inspiration and support.