'Gun Metal Blue', Johnny Neel, Breakin' Records, 2004

Johnny Neel is better known for the people he has played with, rather than for his own records. Of course, working with the Allman Brothers and Willie Nelson is impressive enough. Still, 'Gun Metal Blue' shows that his own work is also something he can be proud of.
Neel's sound cannot be pinpointed. His music is a mixture of blues, R&B, and New Orleans, with bits of jazz, funk and Country peeking in here and there. He plays keyboards (and a bit of harmonica) instead of guitar, so there is more soul than rock here, with a few exceptions like the guitar dominated title track.
The keyboards are often layered. "Cross My Mind" uses both piano and organ to fill out the upbeat sound that includes a female background chorus. "Sure As the Day is Long" is a ballad that builds with Phil Spector-like production.
Neel puts his soulful vocals upfront on this CD. At various times he might remind you of Gregg Allman, Dr. John, Leon Russell, or even Randy Newman, but his Southern-fried voice has its own unique texture. 
There are a few lesser songs here, but most are good, with a few great ones like the closing track, the upbeat "It's My Turn." If you like blues, Country, or anything from down South, Neel is worth checking out.

- Dave Howell

web site at www.johnnyneel.com