He’s been a mainstay in many recording studios, writing, producing and performing on thousands of recordings. It is notable that he has also performed with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Mel Torme, Sarah Vaughn, Diana Ross and many other vocalists, including Deater O’Neill.

Deater O’Neill began making her mark as a well-respected musician and jazz singer in Washington, D.C. in the 1980’s. The Washingtonian Magazine’s article “The Lady Can Sing, “ cited O’Neill as one of “Washington D.C.’s best women voices.”  WDVM-TV describe O’Neill as “the very best of today’s big band vocalists.” Her CD, Turning Point, was described in the Washington Post as “elegant and eloquent,” and her voice as “sensuous, sultry and sensitive.” O’Neill currently performs pops concerts with symphony orchestras, jazz trios and with Mike Crotty around the country. The J.F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts appointed O’Neill as artist-in-residence, which led to featuring her in a four-concert series.  As well as more recent performances around Arizona, O’Neill’s big band guest appearance’s include the U.S. Air Force’s Airmen of Note, The U.S. Navy Commodores, Larry Elgart, Charlie Spivak, Billy Butterfield, The Dorsey Brothers Band, Benny Goodman Band and four Presidential Inaugural Balls.

Joining them is Beth Lederman, who is one of the most in-demand pianists in Arizona. Her fluid style of traditional and Latin jazz, coupled with her enthusiasm and extensive repertoire makes her a valley favorite.  Ms. Lederman grew up with music in her family’s music store, Lederman Music Co.  She began classical piano training at age 5, eventually graduating Cum Laude with a B.A. in Music from ASU. She formed the salsa band, “Mas,” the Brazillian group “Zum, Zum, Zum,” and a touring production of “Phantom of the Opera.” She also appeared in the group “Novo Mundo” when they came to Payson a few years ago.

Bass player John Sims will be joining the group. He was a member of the 2006 Arizona high school All-State jazz band and a member of the Young Sounds of Arizona big band as a student. He is currently attending ASU on a full-ride scholarship, and performing in many university ensembles. He’s had the opportunity to work with a number of nationally recognized artists when they performed in Arizona, and he shows much promise as a next-generation jazz star.

And, local drummer Gerry Reynolds will be joining the group. A well-respected big band and jazz combo musician, he works now with many of the top musicians in Arizona on a regular basis after leaving a career gig in higher education seven years ago.

Please let Gerry know if you plan to attend this performance by returning an e-mail message  to him at gerryr@cox.net, or leaving a voice message at 480-785-1278.

The performance is free and open to the public, but a $5 donation at the door will help in subsidizing the costs of bringing high caliber musicians like Mike, Deater, Beth and John to Payson.