Neil Chapman - GITAR

Neil Chapman

GITAR
self-released; 2016

3.7 out of 5

By Santiago Garcia
​

Get ready for some of the best and most fun guitar recordings out there because Neil Chapman just recorded and released his newest album since 2003, titled none other than GITAR. Chapman is recognized as one of the best and most inspiring guitarists out there, and currently touring the USA and Canada with John “The Frogman” Burkitt. If you want to see what Chapman and his crew are all about before grabbing tickets to see them live, GITAR is a perfect concoction of some of the most fun and smooth guitar sounds out there that will give you a first-hand look into the talents and creativity of Neil Chapman. 

The album opens up with a delicious, funky, disco sound in the first song called “Puerto Blue.” That sound is soon after drowned out by the amazing, smooth yelp of the blues-like guitar that walks in and takes over the action. The guitar in the first few songs is talking and walking, and it is all driven by a nice blues riff that makes you want to get up and start dancing with your girl. The transitions in the first song are amazing, and so smooth. It is as if a blues song and smooth-jazz track got together and had a baby! 

All throughout this album the lead guitar is complemented perfectly with a rhythm guitar that stays by its side all along. The composition of this album is off the charts. The drums are clean and complex, and are a crucial part of the album and its excellent sound. The drums are really amazing, and perfectly support a group of clearly talented artists. The guitar, harmonica, bass, keys and brass all play a prominent part in this album and add a delicious blues feeling throughout. 

The introduction to the track “Hot” is led by the drums and eventually morphs into a sweet blues scale and riff. GITAR has stellar production, like the perfectly splashed brass section that complements the drums, bass and guitar in “Hot.” The guitar solos are unmatchable and top notch too; they are fast paced, on-point and “Black Betty” like. 

The album is full of blues and soul, like on the track “Big Mama’s Rockin Tonight.” The smooth, rhythmic and melodic sound is impossible not to dance or groove to. The harmonica twangs off in the background perfectly and complements the entire soulful sound of the band. If you’re not boppin' your head, tapping your feet, or all out dancing it is safe to say you have no soul. 

​GITAR eventually changes sounds to a more rock n’ roll type of mix and introduces a nice change of pace. There is a slower, more melodic sound and the guitar has a more calm sound as it talks to us listeners. All in all, this album is everything the name makes us predict. Neil Chapman is one of the most talented guitarists out there and blesses us with a wide range of sounds and compositions that combine for an excellent and fun listen. From soulful blues, to shredding rock ‘n roll solos, GITAR has got it all!

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