Neil C Young is an extremely gifted guitarist who is beginning to establish his unique talent as a performer and composer both in Britain, and more recently in North America. In a contemporary musical climate which is often overcrowded with an eclectic range of guitar styles, Neil not only acknowledges these various influences, which includes bossa nova, bebop and blues, but also displays an in-depth knowledge of performance and composition, which were key to his studies at Birmingham Conservatoire. His performance and playing delights in playful, fresh and beautiful harmonic interpretations of both standards, and original compositions. Neil continues to teach and perform and is an active participant and frequently invited performer at guitar festivals throughout the world.

His Guitar studies with Gary Boyle and and with Fred T Baker at the Birmingham Conservatoire(UK) led into composition and arranging. After leaving the Conservatoire he continued playing with many different ensembles performing original compositions and arrangements. In 1999, he 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. For 5 years they wrote and performed to high critical acclaim. Neil C. Young has performed with other artists such as Gary Boyle (Isotope, Mike Westbrook), Barnaby Dickinson (Tim Garland, Dave O’Higgins), Steve Tromans (Indo Jazz Fusions, Howl, De-Bop).

This educational and performance background combined with an attention to detail to produce music with a real combination of expression and technique.

I've been listening to My Crazy Pony EP and it's great. Really excellent and unique arrangements. I've never heard a jazz album like it. Neil C Young is on to something...blending in the strings and synthy sound effects, it reminded me a bit of Jon Brion's production of Brad Mehldau's "Largo" album. Not that it sounded like it, but because there are elements from pop and rock production being applied to jazz, which is what Brion brought to the Largo record. And that's what jazz needs these days...a fresh approach. Nice work!

- Will Phalen (Milwaukee, USA)

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 (UK)

Back to Local Music Cafe Main Page