NEIL C. YOUNG - CHICK (PEA) SOUP (2009)

Instrumental Jazz

Neil C. Young (Guitars, Bass Guitar, Strings)

Richard Young (Drum Set)

Barney Williams (Piano)

Nicky Madden (Alto, Tenor Saxophone)

Gareth Mayburg (Tuba, Trombone, Trumpet)

All titles written by Neil C. Young

The New Schmoo

Dexter\'s Finger

Arthur Paul Calf

Next

Where\'s my Bag?

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review by Paul J. Youngman - KJA Advocate for VINILEMANIA.NET

Neil C. Young has put out his third recording, this one entitled Chick (pea) Soup, a five song self produced package that runs about twenty minutes. On Chick (pea) Soup he is joined by brother Richard on drums, Barney Williams playing piano, Nicky Madden covering the saxophone and Gareth Maybury playing the brass section of tuba, trombone and trumpet. Neil C.Young is a British musician, he is playing guitar, bass and strings on the CD. The string section sounds synthesized. He has a soft rock feel to his guitar playing. His bass playing is adequate. The songs are for the most part easy listening, middle of the road.

The song writing and arranging is all credited to Neil C. Young. He has potential as a composer and arranger. He has a mixed style of composing and playing guitar, blending rock, blues, jazz and classical. He is leaning more towards the rock and light on the classical. The opening track “The New Schmoo” starts with solo bass, an elementary bass line walks you into an introduction of guitar. The guitar then waltzes you into the body of the song, the main verse crashes to life after almost a minute of introduction. This is only a four and a half minute song. The style is light rock with a fusion guitar overlay.

From light rock we quickly transition to smooth jazz with cool blues piano, harmonica (not-credited) and walking bass lines for “Dexter’s Fingers”. A bouncy tune that showcases a completely different side of the band. The rhythm section is firmly rooted in the piano playing of Mr. Williams who is leading the way and setting a joyful groove.

“Arthur Paul Calf” comes on strong with marching drum rudiments and guitar strumming that mixes many styles of pop music. The underlying current is one of top forty rock rhythms.

There are moments when Neil C. Young’s guitar playing touches on some jazz sensibilities as in the song “Next”. The song works as an understated elegant melody with single note runs and the occasional grand full guitar chord. The orchestration, the addition of strings and percussion take away from the natural beauty of the song.

The close out number “Where’s My Bag” utilizes the reeds and brass section, they are not used to their full potential however. A New Orleans style funeral march with traditional um-pa-pa tuba. The song is all rhythm. Set up, verse, chorus and ending.