Customer Reviews

Never Too Late

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Michael O'Niell is a master guitarist with a remarkable gift for melody, phrasing and structure. He has been in George Bensons' band for almost two decades, and Benson has certainly influenced him, as shown on a track or two of this album. But O'Niell has his own genius and has mastered many of the guitars' capabilities, both electric and acoustic. Just when one think's "Ah, I have heard something like this before!", he throws you off with a unique phrasing or melody that just wakes you up. He is an excellent song writer and arranger as well and this album, his second (after 1997's "True Love"), is a very welcome addition to jazz fans.
The last track, a stunningly beautiful arrangement of
the Beatles' "Yesterday" is worth the price of purchase alone.
...

If Mr O'Neill had to wait 20 odd years to finally dish this out then surely anyone who's listened to it must admit that it was worth waiting for.

I mean, it's got most of the essentials and more, that can be required from a smooth jazz album. He is definitely up there with the very best guitarists, and yes I'm talking of the likes of Peter White, Larry Carlton, Lee Ritenour etc.

My only prayer right now is that we don't have to wait another 20 odd years to get another album out of him, but most of all as in every situation in life, as you as you live, it is "NEVER 2 LATE".

Keep serving Mr O'Neill, the ball is firmly in your court!!!

I first heard Michael when he was playing 2nd guitar for George Benson at an open-air show in Zurich/Switzerland last year. It almost took me a year to find out who he was and where (the US) to get his (first official) CD.

It was worth the search! One of the best guitar CD's I listened to in a long time. If you like Benson, Carlton, Ritenour, Tropea (who remembers him?), you'll love this. I guarantee it.