Customer Reviews

Ready to Play

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

 

 

An easing arrangement of jazzy instruments makes up "Ready to Play", by Nils.
The title track is a modulating blend of Nils' guitar work, drum play from Ricky Lawson, and bass play fro Alex Ai, Reggie McBride and Roberto Vally, for a catchy tune.
"Just Smile" prompts listeners to do just that with its Fender Rhodes work from Leon Bisquera.
Percussion work from Oliver C. Brown is also present which adds to the subdued vibe that this song will bring listeners.
"Catnap" might make you take a little respite because the sounds and rhythm of the song are just so relaxing. It has bass work from Ai, McBride and Vally, scintillating keyboard work from Han Zermuehlen and Bisquera along with synthesizer work from Clydene Jackson.
"Midnight Breeze" is a calm song that one can picture listening to while reclining on a porch as the wind blows by. This effect is achieved through the keyboard work of Zermuehlen and Bisquera, percussion work from Brown and drum work from Lawson.
All in all, "Ready to Play", by Nils, is a gentle album that will put you in an entrancing mood.

I like Nils for a few reasons. First, he's got a little grit in his melodies, a little toughness, a little bit of bittersweet. In this area I'd compare him...favorably...to Larry Carlton. In many ways, this could be a tougher Fourplay album...think "Blues Force" from "Yes Please" as opposed to some of the "Quiet Storm Pillow Talk" stuff they also serve up. Listen to "Just Smile"...how could anyone possibly listen to that track without thinking "Fourplay?"

Second, he uses real musicians, and especially a real DRUMMER. I'm sure there are programmed drum tracks somewhere in the mix on "Ready To Play," but they don't REPLACE the drummer. That's my biggest complaint against Chuck Loeb, and the reason why I never listen to his music.

Finally, he's a guitar player. That's why I buy his CDs. I play guitar, I like the sound of the guitar, and when I buy a CD featuring a prominent guitarist I want to hear virtuoso guitar as the featured instrument, not endless honking and bleating sax solos (Russ Freeman, are you getting any of this?)...

Nils is by no means a "trailblazer"...too many influences worn on his sleeve for that to happen. But the influences are all solid ones and, two albums into the journey, he's slowly becoming his own man. He's the one to watch, folks...

His follow up CD to Pacific Coast highway is outstanding. Defitnitely a must for any smooth jazzer who likes the strings.

I'd like to say that this musician is new to my ears so I think, but Catnap is such a smooth sexy song. I can only say I just Love It!!! and I think you will too.. Beautiful.. HandClaps for you Nils.. Keep it up..

This CD has to be the best Nils has produced. I have two other disc by him. I also had the pleasure of seeing him live at the Seabreeze Jazz Fest in Destin,FL last April. He has moved to the number one Jazz guitarist on my list. Play on Nils.....You da' man!

Catnap is supurb! Nils knows how to put a CD toghether. Like PCH, this one has many great sounds that makes you want to continue to listen.