hen I heard "G-Fire" by guitarist Vernon Neilly for the first time, I wasn't sure
what path he was taking musically. After reviewing his resume and listening a couple
more times to G-Fire I begin to realize that Vernon Neilly is blessed with some very
good skills as a guitarist as his cast of players adds they're complimenting touch
to the blazing guitar licks of Vernon Neilly.
The Players: Vernon Neilly - Guitars,Bass, Keys, Kevin Chokan - Guitar, Keyboards,
Morris O'Connor - Guitar,Bass,Keys, Miguel Mega - Guitars.
Special guests: Juan Nelson-Bass(Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals), Saxophone
on Moonlight In Paradise- Rick Keller - Piano solo on Flight To Ecstacy, Roger
Smith(Tower Of Power) - Piano Solo on Do Da.
The opening track "Flight To Ecstasy" starts out with rapid conga beats' soon
thereafter burning rock guitar solos by Neilly follows. This cut would make a nice
alternative to the norm at smooth radio to liven up things a bit.
"Little Sunflower" by Freddie Hubbard falls into the second slot by O'Connor. It
appears that Morris is going after the programmers at Clear Channel with this cut,
it's smooth yet upbeat and very accessible.
Next, up is this track called "Do Da" featuring keyboardist Roger Smith, in all
respect to Kevin Chokan I'm not feelin' this one. There's way too much going on
here, it's too syncopated in some ways and in other dimensions its way too loud
sonically.
"Wooded", runs with deep rock inspired riffs in its bloodline. Apparently,
influenced by rock guitarist, Miguel Mega puts down some heavy-duty chops himself.
I'd love to be able to say that smooth radio would jump right on the next track
entitled "Moonlight In Paradise", it has all the right attributes to enhance the
format. However, there's a problem here Vernon is playing some tasty solos
complimented by his sidemen, this might of course throw the focus groups off course
with excitement.
Morris soulfully jams the electric acoustic on "B-Town" at the sixth spot. This
breezy tune is catchy in radio terms blending all the right elements into one
package.
"Fanci Panz" turns up the heat with tight and funky beats accented by Tim Chokan's
enticing trumpet solos.
Miguel and his band slows things down a bit with "Rice N Beans" featuring
saxophonist Mauricio Fernandez, no it's not your typical slow jam but, Miguel and
the crew put a nice touch with tight musicianship.
Passion Quest, compliments the previous track in shapes and textures, it's smooth
but not in a snooze way.
The same goes for "Still Waiting" as Morris offers us another taste of his electric
acoustic guitar stylings.
Tim Chokan adds his twist with Braun/Botti like trumpet solos on Passin' Thur, of
course Kevin Chokan again strokes the guitar with warmth and understanding of his
instrument.
"Sundown Blues" closes out this set of twelve selections, as the title indicates the
jam session is on its way with a heavy dose of rock & roll additives.
If you're into heavily, induced rock guitar solos blended into the elements of
contemporary /smooth jazz then I'll say go for it. I'm sure with the talent that
Vernon Neilly and his crew shoulder they can and will record anything that they
desire, I'm sure we'll hear more from them in the future.