The Grammy-winning musical artist played piano with prominent ensembles like the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the Stan Getz Quartet and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band. But he was also a well-known composer, best known for his work in creating big-band compositions.
Two weeks before his death, McNeely attended the sold-out "Celebrating Jim McNeely" concert, which was a celebration of his music by an 18-piece big band at the DiMenna Center for Classical Music in Manhattan. Daniel Jamieson, the founder and artistic director of JazzComposersPresent.com, who co-produced the show, wrote in a statement after his death that "Jim was a teacher, a mentor, a friend and sometimes even a therapist...We all know he was an extraordinary composer, but the lessons he passed on about being a good person and a professional artist are just as important."
Throughout his long career, McNeely received 12 Grammy nominations and won one for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album, for the Vanguard orchestra's 2008 recording Monday Night Live at the Village Vanguard. The release featured performances of several composers' works, including McNeely's, from the band’s Monday dates at that storied Manhattan jazz club.
American Jazz musician Gary Smulyan (fore, right) plays baritone saxophone as he performs with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra during the band's 40th Anniversary Celebration Week at the Village Vanguard, New York, New York, May 11, 2005.He retired to Owls Head, Maine, until he was diagnosed with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Marie McNeel; his daughter, Claire; two other children, Grace and Peter McNeely; his brother, Tom McNeely; his sister, Connie McNeely and his grandson.
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