Cleopatra Records artist: Big Jay McNeely - Honkin' & Jivin' At The Palomino - New Release Review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Honkin' & Jivin' At The Palomino , from Big Jay McNeely and it's hot! Kicking down the door on the opener, Palomino Hop , McNeely has flames coming from his horn, backed by Marty Rifkin on pedal steel, Steve von Gelder on fiddle, Dale Watson on guitar, Ronnie Mack on guitar, Keith Rosier on bass and Billy Block on drums. Excellent! On Don Gibson's, I Can't Stop Loving You , McNeely set out a soulful rendition not unlike Ray Charles own arrangement. Pretty Girls Everywhere has a cool, sixties twist, beach sound with fiddle work by Gelder, Steel by Rifkin and Big Jay on vocal and sax. Shuffle track, Honky Tonk has extended instrumental lead from McNeely and Gelder plus a great pounding return. Very cool. Bluesy, Young Girl Blues is set deep with the best vocals by McNeely, and balanced soloing throughout. Wrapping the release is Big Jay Shuffle , and excellent closer with Big Jay honkin' ...