Neal Schon
The Calling
Frontiers Records
Producer: Neal Schon
Score: 9 out of 10
Neal Schon’s melodic guitar playing has helped make Journey one of the most successful bands in history. The Calling has some of his most vibrant playing to date. It’s a blend of rock fusion with lush production, epic textures and stellar guitar tones. He gets help from drummer Steve Smith and keyboard legend Jan Hammer. The title track combines thick multi-tracked riffs, swirling melodies and Schon’s idiosyncratic guitar style. “Irish Field” offers Celtic melodies, while “Fifty Six (56)” takes us to India where tabla meets rock-fusion drumming, sitar and wah interplay. This CD demonstrates that Schon has still got it. His signature style remains intact, while the years have broadened tonal palette and artistic vision.
By Oscar Jordan
