ION INDIE MAGAZINE August 2017, Volume 39 | Page 56

In May 2017, Neel released “Balance,” his first solo album. The eight track collection, which was
engineered, mixed and mastered by Chad Loughrige and composed/produced by Douglas J. Neel, takes the
listener on a journey through a variety of jazz styles and isn’t lacking in virtuosity. From the smooth yet
braggadocios grooves in the opening track, “Choose Your Own Adventure,” to the laid back “Lullaby,” this
album has elements that everyone can enjoy. My personal favorites from the record are the surf-infused
“Pam Brever” and “Grappling with the Grizzly,” which features an amazing performance by his rhythm
section. Fans who need an introduction into this style will enjoy the harder edge of the album’s closer,
“Why/Why Not?” When blending so many style, the novice jazz fan (including yours truly) could fall back on
the misconception that jazz is a genre where anything goes. When I asked Neel about his mindset, it became
clear that he understands the tradition of the genre and treats it with respect.
“I can tell you that the only part of jazz that has no rules is the FUTURE of jazz (both as a style AND genre). The
traditions of jazz span over a century in America, and throughout the different ‘eras’ of that tradition, you
can clearly cite standard repertoire, common performance practices, common ‘vocabulary’ of musicians
(scales, chords, etc.), standard instrumentation(s), common compositional techniques, etc., etc.”
“So, to get directly to my ‘take’ on your question, one MUST learn all the RULES of jazz (or classical, or heavy
metal, or hip-hop, or baking, or woodworking, or computer programming, or open heart surgery, or ...) before
one can effectively begin ‘breaking’ the rules/conventions.”
This year, when Douglas J. Neel isn’t teaching students the rules of jazz, he can be found on various stages
across Ohio. Currently, he is in the middle of a residency at Columbus, Ohio’s Dick’s Den, one of Ohio’s best
venues for jazz. This residency will include a lineup of players and musical themes that change on a weekly
basis. In November, he will also be taking the stage at the Sandusky State Theater as part of the “Jazz at
Eight” series. Whether you are new to the genre or have loved jazz for years, do yourself a favor and pick up
“Balance” today!
Featured players on “Balance” include:
Doug Neel - 7-string guitars
Matt Adams - tenor saxophone
Tony Bonardi - piano/keyboards
Jeff Bass - upright & electric bass
Reggie Jackson - drumset
www.douglasjneel.com • www.facebook.com/douglasjneel