Featured Jazz Guitarist: Neil C.Young
Vote for Neil C.Young in our Top "Fuse This Jazz" Artists

About...

Jazz Guitarist using a raw combination of expression and technique through original compositions and arrangements. Clarity of melodic ideas with a deep harmonic language, driven by a strong feeling yet controlled use of rythmic and structural elements. Creativity and originality is always strived for, resulting in a real combination of expression and technique.

Recently performed with high acclaim at the Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival in Mexico,

'Simply beautiful, such beautiful melodies with all the inner movement that just lets everyone have something to listen to' - Micheal Kent Smith;

'you play like Charlie Byrd but swing harder!' - Brook.

Recent EP 'Take a seat' has seen a digital distribution and publishing agreement signed with INgrooves in San Francisco and recently had a airtime on XND Radio, an internet radio station. Currently working with Sara Lowes to produce a co-written EP.

Studied guitar with Gary Boyle between 1990-92 and then onto study with Fred T. Baker between 1992-96 at the Birmingham Conservatoire (UK).These studies led into the fields of composition and arranging especially with regard to Jazz and Classical music.

After leaving the Conservatoire, formed the Ofay Jazz Quintet playing original arrangements of jazz standards and leading the Ofay Big Band which used original compositions alongside the arrangements now embedded into the repertoire. In 1999, joined forces with Sam Dale (The Big Mojito, Deep Cabaret) and Richard Young (The Earlies, Indo Jazz Fusions) to form Rokasayers, a Hard Jazz Rock Fusion power trio. Over a 5 year period they repeatedly wrote and performed to high critical acclaim (see review on Rokasayers pages). Regular performances with The Latin Committee and with other artists such as Gary Boyle (Isotope, Mike Westbrook), Barnaby Dickinson (trombone - Tim Garland, Jamie Cullum) and Steve Tromans (Indo Jazz Fusions and Birminghams finest!) and being a regular session musician for The Music Factory Entertainment Group (Jive Bunny). Combine this educational and performance background with the attention to detail in composition and practice and there is music that is produced by using a real combination of expression and technique.


Discography
    * Take a seat EP

    * My Crazy Pony EP

    * Charlie Young EP (solo guitar)
    * The Latin Committee - The Boys from Ipanema
    * The Latin Committee - The Salford Sessions
    * Rokasayers - Big Hits
    * Rokasayers - Live at the Gregson feat. Gary Boyle and Enigma Strings.

Press Reviews

'It is possible to find intelligent, accessible music if you know where to look.

I looked on www.introducingtheincredible.com and found the EP 'My Crazy Pony' by Neil. C. Young.

The level of playing on this recording makes the music sound effortless, some tunes sounding like standards you just never heard before. The performances are assured and delivered with great feel so that from the Latin rhythm of 'Time Will Sing' to the lyricism of 'Ballade' or the relaxed swing of ' I Think Her Name' something on this EP will shake or move you.

Apart from drums and percussion which are provided by his brother Richard (erstwhile drummer for The Earlies), all tracks on the CD are composed, arranged and recorded by the gifted Mr. Young.

On 'Time Will Sing' the rhythm section is augmented by a string section also arranged and performed by this multi talented chap who, although known as a guitar player also makes the bass move along with an irresistible, un fussy groove.

The quality of the production is excellent and it's hard to believe it was recorded and mixed on a laptop. This CD is an example of a kind of cottage industry and this trend, well established in pop and rock music, where musicians take control of the means of production, cut out the record company and market their work directly to the public, is relatively new to jazz and should be welcomed.

I suggest you take this pony for a ride, you would be crazy not to.'
Bill Palmer, Avanti Display. Feb '07

Neil C.Young
Take a seat EP

Three track EP of excellent feel-good instrumental jazz from Colne Guitarist Neil in partnership with drummer Richard Young. The original The Green Man of Granada is an uplifting and entertaining melodic ride. More please.

   ©Keith Ames - Musicians Union


In this high-speed world of quick fix downloads and digital information there it is sometimes little opportunity to relish some of music's more delicate offerings.

In Neil C Young's Take a seat e.p. We are invited to savour his trio of self-penned compositions, which blends an assorted mix of styles with his own unique and playful harmonizing. From the immediate fast bop of 'That Darned' through the gentle drifting, 'The Green Man of Granada', and ending with another Latin flavoured piece 'Agua Calientes'; which always brings to my mind perfect accompaniment for an exotic coastal night drive. We are given insight into not only the artist tastes in guitar led jazz but also his gift of arranging simple themes with often-complex harmonies.

So why not take the time to kick off your shoes, sit back, relax and take a seat ~ and listen in to Neil C. Young.

   ©Rob Marshall, (March 2006)


Listen to the music

 Tracks from "Crazy Pony"
are featured on the "Fuse This Jazz" program

Photos...

 

Website... here