Brian O'Neal, the pianist from Detroit, first encountered music at age six by taking up drums. After trying bass along with sax and trombone, he targeted a professional drumming career during his teenage years. At sixteen his grandmother Daisy gave him a piano, which redirected his ambitions away from percussion. An affinity for melody and harmony led him to practice extensively, forging a strong self-taught ability. That ability earned him a full music scholarship to Alcorn State University in 1984. While enrolled he wrote accomplished jingles for major clients including McDonalds. As a freelance musician he performed with R&B artists such as Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, Frankie Beverly, and Maze. He also entered the neo-soul scene alongside India.Arie, Me'Shell Ndegéocello, and others, prompting his relocation to Atlanta in 1994. Turning to production, O'Neal assisted emerging acts like Kem, Kathy Avalon, and Eddie Oliver. Seeking the spotlight himself, he began presenting his own compositions as a bandleader while exploring jazz, R&B, and Latin music. His debut album Mood Swings appeared on his BCO Media label in 2003. While serving as musical director for the rising Kem, he maintained his solo path. His second release, Daisy—named for his grandmother—came out in 2007 and advanced rapidly on contemporary jazz charts nationwide.
