The Andrew Neu Group
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Music
Press
"Andrew Neu's fresh release In Clear View is a glimpse into the future of what we can expect from the up and coming smooth jazz artists. From the first track Celebration to the last track Easy Pass, Andrew shows his ability to groove with the best and the best is represented here. In Clear View is produced by Brian Bromberg and hosts a list of who's who as guest musicians. This is definitely a cd that smooth jazz fans will want to include in their library." Dick Fairchild - City Sounds Radio
- City Sounds Radio
Reviewed by Brian Soergel
The second CD from Philadelphia's Andrew Neu is clearly a team effort. The talented saxophonist gathered many of the top names in smooth jazz to support the 15-song project, beginning with producer and bassist extraorinaire Brian Bromberg. He also surrounds himself with superb session musicians who help keep this project humming over the course of almost an hour of music. Neu, who keeps his sound bright by touring with a big band and other well-known musicians, also mixes tempo and mood by adding three covers to his nine original tunes and two written by Bromberg and one by close friend and keyboardist Kevin Toney.
The result is a fresh sound that benefits from Neu's expertise on the alto, tenor, and soprano saxophones, resulting in a nice shading of tones and registers. Neu adds punch to his sax sound with the bold and brassy playing of the four-member Bright and Tight horn section, especially on Kool & the Gang's iconic "Celebration" and with the original tunes "Shadow Dancing" and the rollicking, good-time dance song, "Easy Pass".
Neu's approach on the high-register soprano compares to Kenny G's on tunes such as "Come To Me," "I Heard It In The Night" and Lionel Richie's "You Are". Neu also picks up the soprano for one of the two best songs on the CD: "Wine", a hit-worthy song penned by Bromberg-who adds a delightful bass solo-and featuring keys by Jeff lorber. The other standout, "Sob City," uniquely combines a downtempo, chillish vibe with a dash of blues and some truly inspiring jazz sax solos by Neu. - Smooth Jazz Times
Discography
Inspire
(Released in 2000)
In Clear View
(Released in 2007)
The long-awaited CD, "In Clear View" has just been released, and the response from everybody has been extremely positive!
Co-produced by smooth jazz luminary Brian Bromberg and Andrew, it features original compositions as well as fresh covers of familiar tunes.
"In Clear View" also features guest performances by Jeff Lorber, Brian Bromberg, Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta, Doc Gibbs, and Gerald Veasley.
Photos
Bio
Nationally acclaimed ANDREW NEU is in constant demand as a saxophonist, arranger, composer and recording artist. He is equally comfortable performing with Peter Nero and The Philly Pops or at Philadelphias premier jazz venue Zanzibar Blue.
Andrew has shared the stage with Sir Elton John, Patti LaBelle, Mellissa Manchester, Mel Torme, Malcom-Jamal Warner, The Four Tops and The Temptations, among others. He has also recorded with Sister Sledge, Manhattan Transfer and jazz legend Buddy DeFranco.
Fueled by the critical success of his first album, INSPIRE, Andrew has just released his second CD, IN CLEAR VIEW, produced by bassist Brian Bromberg. It features performances by Jeff Lorber, Kevin Toney, Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta, Gerald Veasley, 'Doc' Gibbs and the Bright and Tight Horns. He has performed at the Newport, Bermuda, St. Croix, Mellon and Lake George jazz festivals and is a voting member of NARAS and the Grammy Awards.
Members of the Andrew Neu Group have performed and recorded with Vickie Winans, Pieces of a Dream, Grover Washington Jr., Gerald Veasley, Jill Scott, Wynton Marsalis, Lou Rawls, Teddy Pendergrass, India Arie, David Byrne, Tom Scott, Arturo Sandoval, Burt Bacharach, Smoky Robinson, The Funk Brothers and Julie Andrews.
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