Thoughts and commentary by Cyril Lance.
Johnny Neel Vocals, B3 on "Remembering Jon"
I first met Grammy-Nominee Johnny Neel (Allman Brothers, Warren Haynes, Dicky Betts) while on the road with Mel Melton and the Wicked Mojo's. We ended up recording an album with him at his studio and we became friends at that point. Johnny is one of those people you meet that just has a direct connection to the soul -- I knew that from the first few notes we played together.
It's a great honor to have Johnny's singing featured on this album, not only because I think he's got one of the greatest blues / R&B voices of our time, but that he sang my material just the way I heard it in my gutt, and then added his own personality. When we rolled taped for the title track, I just started crying -- Johnny got it.
Most importantly is the friendship we developed during those days. Check out anything Johnny has done, it's all deep in the groove including his latest album "late night Breakfast". www.johnnyneel.com
Matt Jenson B3 and Piano
Matt Jenson (Ronnie Earl, Mighty Sam McClain, Johnny Adams) and I go back to my Boston days. I first started playing with Matt in his Reggae band which has now evolved into his incredible vision of Acid Reggae. During that period, he invited me to a jam. I dragged my old solid-state amp over and plugged in, and it was from that moment that I knew our paths were connected not only musically but spiritually. Matt made me get a tube amp, and that started a whole new thing! We also both turned out to be Bob Marley fanatics.
Since then Matt and I have played in many different styles and situations -- and we've always connected. Matt, in my mind, is one of the finest B3 players in the country and is also a master of so many styles of music. Doing this album together was a joyful reunion and re-connection for both of us.
What can I say about Matt's playing on this album except that it's all RIGHT, it's all deep and full of passion. Go to his website and check out his new CD.
www.acidreggae.comKelly Pace Drums, Chris Carroll Bass
Kelly, Chris and I toured together for about three years with Mel Melton and the Wicked Mojo's. From our first gig, we all knew that we had that special chemistry that made the music gel. Through all those nights on the road, I can't remember a single night when we didn't enjoy playing together.
One of the reasons that I wanted to make this album was to capture the energy and magic of the live session -- to let the chemistry of
the musicians become more important than the preconcieved arrangements, to lay down on tape what we had developed over those years of touring. I just knew that Kelly and Chris would play intensely emotional grooves and would be into whatever I threw at them.
The three of us played Clifton Chenier's "Hot Tamale, Baby" night after night with Mel Melton and I always loved the way Chris sang it. Even though we played that song so many times, I never tired of hearing him sing it. This album was my opportunity to completely rearrange it to suit my ears and record it as a tribute to all those times we had together with Mel.
Kelly and Chris are some of the finest out there and they put their heart and soul into this music. Thanks, my brothers...
