Joe Bonner, a fine pianist, was heavily influenced originally by McCoy Tyner. He is an excellent performer of modal-based music as well as advanced hard bop. He studied music at Virginia State College. He played in the early ’70s with Roy Haynes (1970-1971), Freddie Hubbard (71-1972), Pharoah Bernie (1972-1974) and Billy Harper (late ’70s). Bonner, who was a Muse, Theresa and Steeplechase leader, is still a skilled improviser. Allmusic
