Showing posts with label Home Again. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home Again. Show all posts

10/06/2024

Instrumental Rock Fusion-Jazz-Blues Review: Nic Weatherly-Home Again

Release Date: August 30, 2024

Label: Independent

Website

Nic Weatherly is a diverse guitar player who released his EP Home Again a month ago. His website explained what to expect, and he promised a varied listen of instrumental guitar work.

"Redemption" starts the album with a jazzy acoustic sound and a good backing rhythm. It has a great feel and makes your feet move without thinking. Some of the picking is extraordinary in between the main leads and melody. 

"I Do" starts at a much softer, slower pace than the previous opening track, allowing the listener to flip the mood to the other side of the coin. Some lovely acoustic playing fills the air with well-defined notes. Nic's playing is precise but unpredictable, which I particularly enjoy because I already realized the man's talent from the start. It's a slow mover and some excellent playing once again.

"Blind" kicks off with some jazzy, funky licks. It is energetic and complex, with some great tone and changes throughout the track, albeit some fast pick work. Some strong bass and timely drums accompany the dazzling fretwork. It was a great way to get momentum and continuity, sparking anticipation and leaving the listener eager for what's next. It is the kind of instrumental jazz-rock fusion that keeps you on your toes!

"O Jul Med Din Glede" translates as "O Christmas with your joy," and the tempo and sound surely match what the title is saying. It sounded like hints of Celtic music at times to me, but it is a Norwegian song. It is a very upbeat tune, yet it also brings comfort and spirituality that washes over you nearly instantly. It's a great tune to mix into this varied EP, leaving you feeling uplifted and serene.

"LaVonne" is likely about a woman in his life, so I am anticipating something special. Possibly the lady on the front of the cover artwork, I will guess his mother or grandmother. Once again, we get a touching presentation of acoustic string expertise with some violin for more feeling and a very subtle drum to keep the pace. The emotional depth in this track is palpable, making it clear that this person was extraordinary in his life.

Nic Weatherly is an excellent guitar player, and if this is a sample of what he can do, I would love to hear a full album. His talents are far-reaching within those strings on a guitar. It is readily apparent from beginning to end that he plays any style of music that he wants, and Home Again is a window into those capabilities.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Reviews Founder

October 5, 2024

Tracks:

1. Redemption 3:17

2. I Do 3:56

3. Blind 3:35

4. O Jul Med Din Glede 3:07

5. LaVonne