Have you ever wondered what a group of DNA segments in bacteria might sound like? Have no fear, because John O’Leary is here.
The Bay area jazz pianist and neuroscientist born on the Yucatan Peninsula has successfully funded a solo piano LP inspired by neuroscience, and you can soon own it on vinyl (it should be released in March 2018).
Read: In the Photo Booth — Jazz pianist John O'Leary
“The purpose of the record is to create a space around which a dialogue can occur in the community about modern scientific/neuroscientific discoveries, which have the potential to affect our lives,” O’Leary — who has recorded with BOTB-winning outfit La Lucha — wrote to CL in a message. “This dialogue will help reduce the barrier between science and society.”
The music definitely will, too. Just listen to “CRISPR” — a song inspired by genetic editing — and “Spirit Guardian,” which was borne out of the vision of an Alzheimer's patient coming back, cognitively speaking, for a few seconds or minutes due to music exposure.
“There is resilience in the human spirit that prevents, even Alzheimer's disease, from taking away the essence of who we are,” O’Leary — wrote on Kickstarter, where he’s raised more than $5,000 to release the LP on vinyl.
“Jazz started out exclusively on vinyl, and now very few new projects come out on it, for obvious reasons. However, this project is about making music the most beautiful we can, and vinyl will most definitely improve the quality of the listening experience,” O’Leary — who started playing classical piano at the age of 12 — added.
The pledged money will be used to help him with recording and post production costs as well as costs associated with actually pressing the music to vinyl and CD.
It’s going to cost O’Leary $8,000 all day, but he only asked for $5,000 because a $3,000 grant will be helping him with expenses as well.
Have a listen to some cuts destined for the LP below, and watch O’Leary’s Kickstarter pitch (super cute baby Snapchat included) here.
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This article appears in May 4-11, 2017.