Uplifting and Well-Crafted
author: John G Pedersen
I listened to this CD a number of times, to really absorb it before writing this review. I must say that it was a very enjoyable listening experience. I loved it! First of all, there is a tight but groovy rhythm section, which is no surprise since William Neal is a fabulous bass player. Secondly, he is good at weaving little melodies (single lines) into the music rather than thick chords, which creates a little more space (has he been listening to Miles Davis?). Thirdly, the songs are well written with good melody and lovely chord progressions. Last but not least, the packaging is superb. The album cover is gorgeous. My favorite tracks are, "Never Forsaken" and "C.A.T.S.". After that, I was really diggin' "Pillars and Dreams" and "Law of Love", with that lush electric piano and superb bass playing. "Pillars and Dreams" is a positive and uplifting musical experience that bears repeated listening. It's highly recommended for smooth jazz fans.
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great
author: andrea
A wonderful CD.
Imagination, creativity, smoothness....
You know, it has been ages I don't buy a CD ...but I really decided to buy this one, because it is just great !
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A must have piece of work!!!
author: Artist: The G...
This is a must have CD for your collection. You can hear the heart and creativity in each track that William arranged. I am really enjoying this CD.
William, I am really loving this work of yours. You are representing D.C. very well. We'll hook up the next time I am in the area.
Blessings, G...
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SmoothJazz.com Review
author: Sandy Shore
At the helm of the ps150.4 Project is Washington, D.C. musician William Neal who has been performing in and around the U.S. Capitol for nearly three decades as well as a memorable tour of France including an appearance at the Nancy Jazz Festival in 2001. Born into a musical family, William had an ear for melody at a young age, in fact as a kid he used to string rubber bands around his books and strum them like a guitar. Fast forward to today, the jazz multi-instrumentalist delivers a stylish and classy debut with PILLARS AND DREAMS featuring an introspective collection of bass-driven grooves with a vintage vibe. The artist says that the title of his recording was inspired by the fact that pillars symbolize strength and are often left standing thousands of years after the building has collapsed around them. According to Neal, “Everyone needs pillars to strengthen them throughout life’s challenges in order to reach their dreams.” Music is just such a strength and PILLARS AND DREAMS holds up ten reflective and thoughtful tunes that demonstrate William’s musical and artful notions. The deep and melodic “Law of Love” and the heartfelt “Wisdom’s Children” are two smooth stand outs that you’ll be hearing on SmoothJazz.com Radio. Progressive and profound, PILLARS AND DREAMS is a collection of jazz tunes that will make for the perfect soundtrack while reaching for your dreams.
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