With the tone and touch of Art Tatum, the pain-tinted singing voice of the weariest bluesman, and the deft ability to put his own stylistic stamp on even the most familiar standards, jazz pianist Johnny O'Neal legitimately qualifies as a true original.

A talent that eased through the New York City jazz hierarchy after stints with Art Blakey and Clark Terry, O'Neal was on his way to genuine stardom when a mugging caused him to leave Manhattan and work by design in relative obscurity for two decades. In 2010, though, O'Neal returned and began reestablishing his career.

His highly acclaimed 2013 album, "Live at Smalls," helped get the word out. Earlier this year, O'Neal appeared at Lincoln Center. He

was featured in "Lush Life: Celebrating Billy Strayhorn," and among a host of luminaries, received a standing ovation.

Your chance to see the magic in an intimate setting happens Friday, when the Johnny O'Neal Trio takes the Side Door Jazz Club stage in the Old Lyme Inn.

Johnny O'Neal Trio, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Side Door Jazz Club, Old Lyme Inn, 85 Lyme St., Old Lyme; $35; (860) 434-0886.