Jon Mayer

Jon Mayer has pursued an extended and varied path as a bop pianist whose contributions have stayed largely overlooked. Classical training formed his foundation, followed by studies at the High School of Music and Art and the Manhattan School of Music. Early jobs brought him alongside Pete LaRoca and Ray Draper, as well as frequent club sessions throughout New York. He performed in the Kenny Dorham big band, joined Tony Scott’s Quartet in place of Bill Evans, and appeared on Jackie McLean’s 1957 album Strange Blues plus John Coltrane’s I Talk to the Trees. Time spent in Paris included work with Chet Baker, while the 1960s and 1970s found him touring or recording with the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra, Kai Winding, Sarah Vaughan, and the Manhattan Transfer in addition to extensive studio dates. He also composed pop material cut by Les McCann, Nancy Wilson, Vicki Carr, and Gladys Knight, among other artists. After relocating to the Los Angeles area during the 1980s, Mayer collaborated with Freddie Hubbard, McCann, and ensembles of his own. His debut session as a leader occurred on a 1995 date for Pullen, after which Ernie Watts appeared from time to time in his quartet.