ANCESTRAL WATER Jack Grady O’Neil
Jack Grady O'Neil was born in San Francisco, California in 1951. The oldest of five children and a musician since the age of 11. Jack originally played drums but switched to guitar by his late teens so that he could better front and sing with bands. Over the last twenty-five years he has been in numerous cover bands. Jack also plays mandola and piano.
Always a songwriter, Jack wrote the song "Ancestral Water" for his mother's family reunion in 1999, celebrating 150 years in San Francisco. The song told the story of James and Mary Grady, natives of County Galway, Ireland, and their immigration to Louisiana in the early 1840’s and their eventual journey to California and the gold of El Dorado. Over the next few years, Jack added more original songs rounding out the entire story of his Great-Great Grandparent's lives.
In October of 2006, Jack, in partnership with musician, arranger and producer, Bryan Daley, began making the album ANCESTRAL WATER. The CD is a total of 16 tracks: two original instrumentals, nine original songs with vocals and five short instrumentals from the public domain. The music is a rhythmic, acoustic-based, Celtic-influenced folk-rock.
Designed by fellow Grady family member, cousin Greg Skewis, the CD is available in a rich and beautiful package utilizing celebrated lithographs from 1850, and includes a ten page lyric fold-out with historical references. ANCESTRAL WATER by Jack Grady O'Neil is a worthy addition to your music collection.
ANCESTRAL WATER is now also the name of the talented band that performs the songs from the CD. In addition, they have developed several sets of folk, rock and bluegrass “cover” material specifically chosen to enhance and compliment their provocative and rhythmic performances. Residing in California’s Contra Costa and Alameda counties, members include:
Jack Grady O’Neil on vocals, acoustic 6-string guitar, 6-string banjo and mandolin;
Tom Pehrson on mandolin and resophonic guitar;
Bryan Daley on vocals and acoustic/electric 12 string guitar;
Marian Harris on vocals and fiddle;
Chuck Hammond on bass;
Gerald Turetzky on vocals, drums and percussion.
ANCESTRAL WATER is ready and able to meet your festival and venue performance needs. We will provide a unique and special musical experience. Please contact:
Bryan Daley at 925-373-1234 or email at bryandaley@att.net or
Jack Grady O’Neil at 925-930-8292 or 925-787-0117 or email at jno@pacell.net.
During their debut year, ANCESTRAL WATER played at both of Walnut Creek’s premier musical festivals; Art on the Main in May and The Walnut Festival in September of 2009.
What some people have said about ANCESTRAL WATER:
“I listened to ANCESTRAL WATER on CD Baby. Top notch brother man!”
Steve Sage …professional musician, guitar teacher and legendary instructor at Diablo Valley College.
“Having known Jack and his family for most of my life, I was intrigued to hear someone put their family ancestry and history into a modern, acoustic bluegrass-type setting and make it musical, interesting, and above all, listenable. A brave endeavor, to say the least. Some of the period sounding pieces put you back in time....and into my neighbor's family history with thought and purpose. Well Done!”
Chuck Kavooras…guitarist with Sugar Ray and the CK Allstars
“Ancestral Water runs deep! The music is heartfelt, lifts up your spirit, and connects you to the whole family. Not just Jack's whole family, but the realization of all of our connections. I am grateful to have this CD in my collection of extremely fine art.”
Merrill Collins Chausseblanche…musician, composer, pianist
“Jack...you can feel the history here. Nice work throughout the production. It had me glued to the player!!! “
Don Hays…professional musician, lead guitarist with The Michael Paul Band
“Ancestral Water is the perfect group to play at any Festival. Their music is a crowd pleaser with all age groups. They are professional and easy to work with. I welcome them back anytime.”
Laura Fielding…Entertainment Director for the Walnut Festival and Walnut Creek’s Art on the Main
"Love the packaging -- great cover art, booklet notes and photos; what a great complement to the music. It tells a great story with mostly acoustic instruments that ring and resonate in an original style that is great “Irish-American” roots music-based. I will enjoy revisiting this recording for a long time.”
Dave Zimmer…former editor of BAM Magazine and authorized biographer of Crosby, Stills & Nash.
“Liked your CD. I’ll give you a “B” for the original songs and an “A” for the instrumentals; they had that soundtrack feel.”
Chris Weber…musician, acoustic guitar player on Bob Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks
“Jack O's extraordinary vision fuels this beautifully crafted work. It is as it should be: Bard and musician combined to pass along the rich tapestry of our unique history.”
Dick Weyand...musician and recording studio owner; former recording artist for Fantasy Records
“We really enjoyed it. Great story and great tunes. Sent it over to my brother to check out. You have created something very special for your family. No one can ever take that from you.”
Jack King…former drummer with The Steve Miller Band
“I love your CD. I’m very proud of you. Excellent job. I like the whole thematic concept and thought the songs were well written and well sung. The performers were outstanding.”
Andy Haag…attorney and musicologist
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