Neal Schon, the timeless guitarist who is the foundation of Journey, has had several excellent side projects: Just-if-I, Hardline, and several solo discs (all of which are worth checking out, by the way). On this latest solo effort, Schon goes in a different direction, putting out a Blues album.

In the liner notes, Neal tells us to "Crank this disc up LOUD!" Once you've heard the opening lick of the first track, you won't be able to do anything BUT crank it up! Schon's got his guitar fired up for this one, and the results are impressive. Throughout this disc, Neal proves (as if he needed to) that he can shred with the best of them, regardless of the musical genre.

The songs on this CD range from rough blues/rock tracks to straight Blues numbers that sound like they have heavy Albert Collins influences (track 9 - "Play the Blues"). All the tracks are original material - there are no covers on this disc. But the songwriting is strong enough that there was no need for the band to throw on a familiar track or two to keep people interested. If you like Blues even a tiny bit, I guarantee that you will find something here for you.

In addition to Schon's luscious axe-work, there is some great bass work by fellow Journey member Ross Valory, solid drumming by ex-Tubes skins-pounder Prarie Prince, and the growling vocals of Richard Martin Ross. Ross's voice is perfect for the material. He sounds like a young Jack Bruce with just the tiniest dash of Joe Cocker thrown in to crank the gravelly growl up a notch.

Here's a track-by-track look:
1. Whiskey, Women & Blues - This track reminds me of a song that Sammy Hagar might put out, only with a Blues edge. It's up-tempo, has an Arena-Rock hook to it, and should definitely get some radio play. This track really rips open the CD but it's probably the least "Bluesy" song on the disc. But it still kicks ass.
2. Gotta Get Back To You - The tempo is slowed, and the lyrics shift to the more familiar lament of most Blues songs. One thing that is not slowed, however, is Schon's soloing - Neal rips off some slick little runs in here, and the main solo absolutely shreds! Some of the best guitar work on the disc is in the last couple of minutes of this track. Excellent drumming on this track, too.
3. Lonesome Road - Whoa! Right back to the up-tempo Blues-Rock. Richard Martin Ross's vocals are perfect for this tune. He belts it out and gives this song a lot of guts. Schon's got a great little rhythm guitar hook in here - it's like a Blues/Arena Rock hybrid - and his soloing ensures that your jaw stays in contact with the floor.
4. Hole In My Pocket - I see a pattern developing here, as this track lays back into a standard Blues tempo, and a standard Blues lyrical pattern (lines repeated twice, followed by the "kicker line.") There's nothing really spectacular about this song. A lot of the guitar parts are things you've heard in countless other blues songs. But, it is the first song where Schon's soloing is a little more patient and thoughtful, eliciting that classic emotional response that good Blues guitar will get every time.
5. Walkin' Out the Door - Starts out with a hot little bass line, and some high-hat, with some subdued, soulful guitar notes. You'll think it's an instrumental piece at first (it sounds like sort of an "interlude"). But no, there's Ross, growling out the words. This is a sexy, steamy little number. It starts out soft, builds slowly, then bursts open as the guitar takes a more aggressive stance. Then it backs off for a teasing mini-solo which fades into the end of the track. This is one of my favorites on the disc.
6. I'm In Love - This song showcases the range of vocalist Ross. The guitar is backed off a bit, but Schon still manages some quick runs in the solos. Ross really carries this song, though, along with super work by Valory and Prince. A solid, enjoyable tune.
7. Love Trance - Slows it way down. Blues all the way on this one. Ross' vocals will tug at your heart, and whatever he doesn't get, Schon will with his axe. There's even a little Hammond B3 thrown in for good measure. Awesome.
8. Slow Down - The song isn't slowed down, it's about slowing down: "I gotta slow down. I'm moving way too fast. Slow down, baby. Tight skirts and a fast guitar. Sex on a telephone..." Some great lyrics, and good interplay between the guitar, the bass, and the drums. Hot and playful solos tie it all together. Cool track. Check out Prarie Prince's drumming near the end.
9. Play the Blues - As I said earlier, this sounds like an Albert Collins-style tune to me. (While you're buying this disc, pick up Collins' Cold Snap for fun. "Too Many Dirty Dishes" is a classic tune.) This is what it's all about, baby!
10. A Girl Like You - This features acoustic guitar (actually, I think it's a lap steel guitar) throughout, and it sounds great! Neal whips out the electric for the main solos, though, and for a rhythm part near the end. This is a great track. It's got that "down-home" sound to it.
11. Hey, Hey, Babe - Another song with a familiar Blues cadence to it. Some horns in here give it a Tower of Power sound. Schon wails on the solos. This is a fun tune that you will probably find playing in your head every now and then. Don't worry, you won't want to get it out of there.
12. Blues For Miles - An instrumental number, this is a soulful guitar journey. It closes out the disc well. It also features more phenomenal drumming from Prarie Prince.

Piranha Blues belongs in every Blues-guitar lover's collection. But even if you're not a big Blues fan, you owe it to yourself to take this disc for a spin, if only for Neal Schon's soloing. Enjoy!

Reviewed by Shredfest

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