ntricate. Technical. Amazing. Three words best
used to describe Peter Neri's first solo album. The man that spent time two decades back
as lead guitarist for rock bands in Connecticut and then later out west, has switched gears to
the acoustic guitar instrumental. Of course, folks around here are familiar with
that. Northern New England is home to a number of exquisite guitarists, but Neri isn't just folk.
The Vermont resident has crafted a diverse and solid blend of instrumentals that impress and express.
The album begins with an upbeat and tremendous
piece called "Out from the Shadows", and that he does. When Neri dropped the electric
and studied the acoustic and classical, he really honed his skills. With this cut, he has held onto his rock upbringing without forsaking the pure sound of an acoustic.
What he's done with his guitar is truly amazing. Neri has command of the percussive need, and the subtleties of string playing. There are times
when the sound of the fingers sliding up or down the strings become an important
element to a tune; or hitting the pick shield with a palm adds the right percussion, and allowing the strings to play free can be just as emotive. And Neri has control of it all.
I must admit, some of his slight picks and intricate fingerplay seem technical just to be technical. However, with the blend of blues picking like "Still Alive" and folk ballads "Lone Warrior" and "Night Visions," the album becomes an overall gem.
"Night Visions" (and even "Out from the Shadows")
have a similar sound to that of Michael Hedges, but Hedges is one of Neri's admitted influences.
There's a crisp, finger-picking that displays every note in a chord, yet doesn't detract from the single note melody. Its precision and technical demands, when done right are mesmerizing. Neri's accomplished this.
The sweetest tune Neri composed is the soft and
sweeping "Lullaby". It has a decidedly nocturnal sensation, and the well-crafted melody and bass
line are wonderfully blended. If not a lullaby, then maybe a love song. Or both. You ever heard
Mark Knopfler's score for the motion picture "The Princess Bride"? At Knoplfer's best on that,
Neri matches here.
His liner notes state 'My two wishes are that I can share this music with others, and that others, in turn, may also be inspired to tap into the
limitless that is waiting to enter and enrich their lives - in whatever creative form it may take.' I think his creations are inspirational and touching, and for at least one, his wish comes true.
ntricate. Technical. Amazing. Three words best
used to describe Peter Neri's first solo album. The man that spent time two decades back
as lead guitarist for rock bands in Connecticut and then later out west, has switched gears to
the acoustic guitar instrumental. Of course, folks around here are familiar with
that. Northern New England is home to a number of exquisite guitarists, but Neri isn't just folk.
The Vermont resident has crafted a diverse and solid blend of instrumentals that impress and express.