Performances + Events
John McNeil
March 23, 1948 – September 27, 2024
With profound sadness, New England Conservatory mourns the passing of John McNeil who died at home in New York City on September 27, 2024. A legendary artist and beloved educator, McNeil taught at NEC from 1980 through 2022.
Born on March 23, 1948 in Yreka, California, John McNeil hit the New York jazz scene in the mid-70s and soon was playing with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, the Horace Silver Quintet, and saxophone great Gerry Mulligan, as well as leading bands of his own. His distinctive sound and virtuosity were showcased on 20 albums as a leader or co-leader. He also served as a producer, composer and arranger for numerous albums. His final recording was on NEC alum ’11 Allegra Levy’s Lose My Number, an album of McNeil’s tunes for which Levy wrote lyrics. “One of the best improvisers working in jazz,” (Ben Ratliff, New York Times), McNeil’s mark on the music was indelible, and his acerbic sense of humor and dry wit were legendary.
“John McNeil was an artist of the highest caliber and was one of the cornerstones of NEC’s Jazz Studies Department for over 40 years,” says Jazz Studies Department Co-Chair Ken Schaphorst. “And his ability to connect with students and teach them the foundations of the jazz languages while at the same time encouraging each student to develop their own individual voice may be unmatched in the world of jazz education. John’s sense of humor was also legendary. He would often joke with prospective students during their auditions, saying things like “You look familiar. Didn’t we share a cell in Sing Sing?” The prospective student would initially look confused. But the ultimate effect was always a more relaxed audition.”
Statements from Former Students
“John McNeil was a musical father to me and so many musicians who were a part of the NEC community. He was the greatest teacher/mentor that I’ve ever had and I’ve been lucky to have several in my life. He taught me the importance of striking the balance between taking your development in the music seriously and finding the humor and lightness in life that can carry you through when carving out a life as an artist. He had the succinct knack of assessing any given issue or challenge that a student was facing and give the most impactful solutions each and every time. His work lives on in his recordings, books, and notes that I have of his from my lessons. I think of him when I step into any classroom, studio, or onto any stage.”
– Jason Palmer ‘07
“John has been a fixture in my musical world for over half my life – first as the most hilariously hip teacher ever at NEC, where he leavened his deep musical wisdom with country-style piano playing and palindromes that went from long and elaborate (Doc Note, I Dissent, a Fast Never Prevents a Fatness, I Diet on Cod) to surrealist and absurd (I Can’t Wobble my Melbbow, T’naci was my favorite). The insights he shared about constructing solos and understanding harmony unlocked a new level of improvisational freedom and possibility for me. I will forever think of him when I play certain tunes – Simone, How High the Moon, and many others – both for the ways he elucidated them and for the hilarious cartoons and jokes on his lead sheets. I slowly began to discover the depth, playfulness, and beauty of his own compositions, some of which I would eventually record. His style was unmistakable as a player, a composer, and a teacher. Later, I moved to Brooklyn, where John cultivated a community of young musicians at his regular jam sessions and in his bands, supporting so many of us with gentle suggestions, sardonic wit, or both – and giving us the precious opportunity to play with him. His generosity was a powerful inspiration to me, especially since I had been through some of my own health challenges. Somehow, John took everything life threw at him with humor and positivity, constantly sharing his love for music, for his wife Lolly, and for all of us.”
– Carmen Staaf, ‘05 Tufts/NEC
“John McNeil. A lyrical and devastatingly hip trumpet player, composer, and recording artist. To see him play live was to experience the pure joy and elation of jazz and improvised music. His Carlin-level wit would draw you in, making everyone in the room feel like you’re part of something important. His deep and abiding respect for the music made you fall in love with jazz (for the first time or all over again). He didn’t dumb it down for you – he invited you to listen more deeply, trust yourself, and rise to his level. John was curious, intelligent, worldly, loving, and the funniest one in the room – by a long shot. He made really complicated things sound clear and interesting. He was a loyal friend and deeply wise mentor to so many. He was a doting and loving husband to Lolly – his best friend of all. His energy, spirit, and wisdom changed the lives of so many people in the jazz community. The heroic things he did daily to keep in shape for the music are an inspiration. A perfect spokesman for jazz. The community is better for having John as our champion for so many years.”
– Jeremy Udden, ’00, ‘03 MM
“I’m feeling gratitude for one of my favorite teachers, John McNeil, a brilliant trumpeter/composer, masterful pedagogue, and one of the funniest people ever…. John, you taught me so much about listening, resilience, grace, and how to find humor amidst a dark world and difficult circumstances. I’ll never forget your deep musical insights (especially about developing the ear and creatively interpreting standards) and acerbic wit. I’ll be honest: I went to your gigs as much for the incredible music (bright and tuneful yet subtly subversive and ironic–very McNeil!), as I did for the banter and cutting humor.”
– Jason Yeager, ’10 Tufts/NEC
Read John McNeil’s obituary in DownBeat magazine.
