Born in England and bred in New Orleans, Jon Cleary is a triple threat, combining soulful vocals, masterful piano skills, and a knack for composing infectious grooves with melodic hooks and sharp lyrics.
He arrived in New Orleans at seventeen and got his first piano job subbing for the now legendary pianist James Booker at the Maple Leaf Bar. He further honed his skills when drafted as a sideman for the Taj Mahal, Dr John, John Scofield and had a long association with Bonnie Raitt who described him as 'the ninth wonder of the world'. Through it all he has continued to work behind the scenes as a multi instrumentalist and an all-around session musician whilst developing a firm reputation as an artist in his own right.
Cleary has delighted audiences around the world as a band leader and solo performer, earning a solid reputation as being, amongst other things, a 'musicians musician'. He is acknowledged as a leading practitioner of what he calls 'his hobby', New Orleans style piano. Jon is a powerful and distinctive vocalist while also having earned great respect as a songwriter and arranger.
