Originally from the Metro Detroit Area, O'Connell began playing piano at the age of 7 and trombone at the age of 9. Soon after discovering the trombone, O'Connell joined the Detroit Symphony Civic Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Marcus Belgrave, and later on Rodney Whitaker.
O'Connell went on to study at the University of Michigan, and while attending, played with greats such as Geri Allen, Bob Hurst, Karriem Riggins and Rodney Whitaker. After his tenure at Michigan, O'Connell pursued his Master's Degree from the Manhattan School of Music where he studied with trombonist Luis Bonilla. Since moving to NYC, O'Connell has performed with greats such as Paquito D'Rivera, Dave Liebman, Joe Lovano, and Randy Brecker as well as with his own groups and as a sideman at Carnegie Hall, The Blue Note, Smalls, Fat Cat, Dizzy's Club Coca Cola, Zinc Bar, Highline Ballroom, Rockwood Music Hall and many others.
O'Connell leads his own sextet, and co-leads a two trombone quintet with trombonist Peter Nelson. He is also involved in a number of other projects including The Steve Feifke Big Band and The Revive Big Band. He is also involved in non-jazz projects including The Uptown Party Down, Lindsay Dunphy, and does live performance and studio work with Grammy Award Winning producer 88-Keys (Kanye West, Jay-Z). Currently, he is adjunct faculty at Manhattan College where he directs the pep band and teaches a number of private lessons.
Jimmy O'Connell is a B.A.C. endorsing artist and plays a B.A.C. Modified Edwards T302 trombone with the signature Elliot Mason Handslide.
Jimmy O'Connell is a Warburton Mouthpiece endorsing artist.
O'Connell went on to study at the University of Michigan, and while attending, played with greats such as Geri Allen, Bob Hurst, Karriem Riggins and Rodney Whitaker. After his tenure at Michigan, O'Connell pursued his Master's Degree from the Manhattan School of Music where he studied with trombonist Luis Bonilla. Since moving to NYC, O'Connell has performed with greats such as Paquito D'Rivera, Dave Liebman, Joe Lovano, and Randy Brecker as well as with his own groups and as a sideman at Carnegie Hall, The Blue Note, Smalls, Fat Cat, Dizzy's Club Coca Cola, Zinc Bar, Highline Ballroom, Rockwood Music Hall and many others.
O'Connell leads his own sextet, and co-leads a two trombone quintet with trombonist Peter Nelson. He is also involved in a number of other projects including The Steve Feifke Big Band and The Revive Big Band. He is also involved in non-jazz projects including The Uptown Party Down, Lindsay Dunphy, and does live performance and studio work with Grammy Award Winning producer 88-Keys (Kanye West, Jay-Z). Currently, he is adjunct faculty at Manhattan College where he directs the pep band and teaches a number of private lessons.
Jimmy O'Connell is a B.A.C. endorsing artist and plays a B.A.C. Modified Edwards T302 trombone with the signature Elliot Mason Handslide.
Jimmy O'Connell is a Warburton Mouthpiece endorsing artist.