Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring internationally known master saxophonist and composer John O’Gallagher. On this episode, we take a deep dive into his powerful new 2025 CD Ancestral and an action-packed life in jazz defined by constant evolution and fearless exploration. The album features an extraordinary lineup with master drummers Andrew Cyrille and Billy Hart, alongside guitarist Ben Monder, creating a dynamic and deeply expressive recording.
With Ancestral, John O’Gallagher casts off his old skin—fundamentally altering his studies, sense of homeland, and creative life to chart a bold new future. The recording is influenced in part by his PhD research into the music of John Coltrane, blending rigorous scholarship with raw artistic expression. Originally from Anaheim, California, John’s career spans more than 30 years in New York City (1988–2018) and nearly a decade living and working in Europe, now based in Lisbon, Portugal. Over his career, he has performed with jazz luminaries including Joe Henderson, Al Foster, and Mary Halvorson, and has appeared on more than 80 recordings, including 13 albums as a leader. We dive fully into the music, the journey, and the reinvention behind Ancestral. Enjoy this interview.
Get the album: https://johnogallagher-whirlwind.bandcamp.com/album/ancestral
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