Review: Neil Morrison Band ‘Without You’
By Mike O’Cull
Hot-handed blues guitarist, songwriter, and veteran of NBC’s The Voice Neil Morrison drops his debut album Without You and reignites the whole idea of contemporary blues.
Out now on all major platforms, Without You is an impressive set of original songs, soul-soaked vocals, and scorching guitar work, all of it non-derivative. Morrison’s songwriting is his biggest asset, and that’s saying something because he’s an absolutely ripping guitar player and a talented, pro-level singer. Morrison has the rare gift of being able to write modern roots music that bears his own influence, feels genuine, and isn’t full of cheese. Many artists try to update the traditional sounds and ideas of the blues, R&B, soul, country, and rock and roll but end up creating something akin to Frankenstein’s Monster. Not so with Neil Morrison. He hits like a fully-unified artist who has processed his influences, found his true musical self, and makes quality music for present-day listeners.
Neil Morrison has been rocking the blues scene for more than 25 years. He draws from a deep well of inspiration that includes The Allman Brothers Band, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Robben Ford, to name just a few. He has opened for many major artists like Joe Bonamassa, Robben Ford, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and Sonny Landreth and is respected as a performer and creator. He’s also a member of the band The Joy Reunion, which appeared on season 21 of NBC’s The Voice, under the guidance of coach Blake Shelton. The show brought them to a huge television audience and also scored them a gig opening for Blake. Morrison is a star in the making and savvy fans of new music need to get him on their screens ASAP.
On the record, Morrison goes hard right from Jump Street. His first track, “Without You,” is funky, aggressive, and full of fun. His vocals easily command center stage and his guitar work rages with punchy blues licks, harmonized passages, and wild chromatic ideas that will catch you off-guard. His inventiveness within the blues/rock format is refreshing and something all our record collections need. He’s not playing for those who want everything to sound like the old days and makes no bones about it.
“Good Day To Die” is a dynamic, mid-speed tune based on a big intro riff. Morrison’s guitar tone is beyond cool, as are his melodic ideas. The middle of the song opens up into powerful electric piano and guitar solos that’ll part your hair for you. The energy of Morrison’s studio band is epic and everyone involved keeps raising their intensity. The group’s live vibe is sublime and it’s right to let them transport you to a higher place.
“Leave Me Alone”
Another crucial cut is the Jimi/Stevie blues-rocker “Leave Me Alone.” It’s a seamless mix of roadhouse rock and roll with Hendrix-like psychedelic tactics that’ll quickly get your attention and throttle you into having a great time. Once more, Neil and company leave every bit of themselves out there. Their chops are easy to hear but it’s their fire and commitment to every beat and bar that makes them special.
One of the most entertaining moments on Without You is the high-speed swing of “Downtown Shuffle.” It’s a pumped-up rockabilly/jump blues number in the Brian Setzer mold that will fill any dance hall in the land. The vocal and guitar performances on it are overwhelming and stellar, as are all of the other parts. It’s a real flag-waver and you’re going to love it from front to back.
The lone cover on the album is Morrison’s sparkling rendition of Duane Allman’s “Little Martha.” It’s the closing song on Without You and feels like a statement of roots and identity after so much original material. It’ll leave you glowing, ready for the next Neil Morrison Band effort to be announced. There’s no doubt that Morrison is the genuine article. Crank this set up and you’ll become a fan.
Apple Music link to Without You See Here
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