Jon Cleary in Osaka

Jon Cleary is a British pianist, singer and songwriter, born in 1962 and based in New Orleans since his youth. He plays New Orleans rhythm and blues, funk and soul, both under his own name and with the Absolute Monster Gentlemen. His records include Moonburn, Pin Your Spin and GoGo Juice, which received the Grammy Award for Best Regional Roots Music Album. After moving to New Orleans, Jon Cleary worked at the Maple Leaf Bar and began performing in the city’s piano tradition. He later spent years touring as a keyboard player in Bonnie Raitt’s band while maintaining his own group, and the Absolute Monster Gentlemen have appeared at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.