John C. O'Leary III is a dynamic Mexican-American jazz pianist and neuroscientist whose innovative work seamlessly blends the intricacies of music with scientific exploration. Based in Tampa Bay, he captivates audiences with his rich compositions that reflect his cultural heritage and scientific insights, showcasing his remarkable journey from classical training to acclaimed performances on international stages.
John C. O'Leary III is a remarkable Mexican-American jazz pianist, composer, and neuroscientist based in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. His multifaceted career beautifully intertwines the intricacies of music and scientific inquiry, resulting in a distinctive artistic journey that traverses cultural and intellectual boundaries.
Born in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, John began his journey with music at the early age of 3, learning classical piano until he turned 12. The pursuit of greater opportunities brought him to the United States at the age of 12. His middle and high school years were marked by a shift in musical exploration; he played the tuba and was distinguished as a performer with the All-State Concert Band. Notably, he won the best piano soloist award at the 2002 Lakeside Jazz Festival.
John pursued higher education at the University of South Florida, studying tuba, jazz piano, and biochemistry, earning a B.A. in Jazz Piano Performance, with a minor in Tuba Performance, and completed an honors thesis in Biochemistry. His academic achievements culminated in a Ph.D. in Neuroscience.
John's scientific endeavors have garnered significant recognition. He was awarded the Ruth L. Kirschstein predoctoral fellowship from the National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke. His dissertation focused on chaperone proteins and their implications in neurological and psychiatric disorders, with his research on depression being recognized in the top 2% of published articles in biological and medical sciences. His contributions have been shared at esteemed conferences, including the Society for Neuroscience and the American Chemical Society.
As a key member of the acclaimed trio La Lucha, John's musical career has flourished in the Tampa Bay area. He has toured Italy and France, performing at prestigious events like the Umbria Jazz Festival and the Juan Les Pins Jazz Festival. His performances with jazz luminaries such as Conrad Herwig, Randy Brecker, and Wycliffe Gordon have further solidified his status in the jazz world.
John has released several albums, both as a solo artist and with La Lucha. His debut solo album "CRISPR" exemplifies his unique blend of music and science. His latest album "The Sundering" was released in 2022 under Arbors Records. He is a regular performer at venues throughout Tampa, recognized as a Yamaha Performing Artist.
John's collaborations span across generations and styles, recording with nine-time Grammy Award winner Shaun Martin and the esteemed 94-year-old jazz pianist Dick Hyman. He has shared the stage with jazz icons including Houston Person and Melissa Aldana, reflecting his dynamic presence in the jazz community.
John's compositions are deeply influenced by his scientific pursuits, often drawing upon themes within neuroscience and genetics. His music reflects his rich cultural heritage as the son of an American father and a Mexican mother, exploring themes of identity, longing, and the immigrant experience. The influence of jazz legend Oscar Peterson is evident in his work, blending technical brilliance with expressive depth.
John C. O'Leary III continues to captivate audiences with his innovative integration of jazz and science, creating a harmonious bridge between two seemingly disparate worlds.
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