Oz Noy is at the
cutting-edge of modern jazz-funk guitar. An in-demand session player,
Noy can often be found plying his wares in clubs such as New York's 55
Bar, or The Bitter End. His unique compositions and playing style make
him one of the most easily recognizable players on the scene today, and
his solo recordings have all been virtual clinics on jazz and funk
guitar playing. On his fourth release,
Schizophrenic (Magna
Carta), Noy delivers another set of tight instrumentals, though his
approach is somewhat different this time around. Noy's last album
Fuzzy (2007 - Magnatude) was jam-packed with effects, loops, and assorted post-production high-jinks. With
Schizophrenic, Noy dials that back a bit in favor of a more approachable sonic aesthetic. Not only does this album
sound
more traditional, the writing is more mainstream as well. Noy's funk
stylings are fused with a pop sensibility here that we've rarely
heard from him before. The result is Noy's most commercial-sounding
album yet. But fear not; it still includes advanced funk rhythms,
off-the-rails jazz lines, biting Strat tones, and the occasional sonic
shenanigan. This
is an Oz Noy album after all.
Another staple of Noy's solo records has been the great cast of players he enlists. This trend continues with
Schizophrenic,
which has Noy joined by frequent collaborators Will Lee (bass), Anton
Fig (drums), Keith Carlock (drums), and Dave Weckl (drums), as well as
Ricky Peterson (keys), Chris Palmaro (keys), and Steve Lukather ("rock"
guitar).
With it's tight syncopated rhythm and snappy solo, the opening track "Ice Pick" could easily fit right in on any of Noy's previous releases (especially
Fuzzy).
But even so, the pop inspiration here is stronger than Noy has displayed
in the past. As such, it provides a strong indication of what to expect
for the rest of the disc, making it a perfect choice for the opener.
"120
Heart Beats" is certainly the most commercial-sounding track Noy has
ever produced. The main riffs and melody give this piece a TV theme
feel, though Noy's envelope filter-laden solo still has his classic
off-kilter vibe. This is also the first of two tracks to feature guest
Steve Lukather, who's suitably credited with "Rock Guitar." Lukather
provides the main distorted riff, and a great outro solo. Lukather also
appears on the aptly named title track, which features wild mood swings
between Noy's tight funk rhythms, and Luke's heavy riffs. This track
also features dueling drum solos courtesy of Anton Fig and Keith
Carlock. Cool stuff.
Other standout tracks include
Schizophrenic's
two ballads; "Seven" which has a smooth jazz groove, and the
atmospheric "Underwater Romance," which may be my favorite song on the
album. Noy is well known for his high-energy funk guitar prowess, but
I've always been impressed with his ballad writing as well. These two
pieces are among the best he's ever done.
Though Noy may have added some new shades to his writing for
Schizophrenic,
one thing that hasn't changed much is his eccentric improvisational
style (the album's title could easily be a reference to Noy's approach
as a soloist). His broad vocabulary includes jazz lines, blues phrases,
and Hendrix-inspired double-stops. Granted, many other guitarists use
these same tools as well - the difference with Noy is the adventurous
spirit with which he plays. Regardless of tempo or mood, Noy throws
caution to the wind with every solo, often injecting outside lines and
over-bends into areas that defy logic, yet it always works. Noy takes
great solos throughout
Schizophrenic, though I particularly
enjoy his playing on "Elephant Walk" and "Jelly Blue," where he keeps
one foot in Scott Henderson-like blues territory while weaving through
the changes. The highly lyrical "Twice In A While" solo is another
standout.
Overall,
Schizophrenic is the most mature,
well-produced album Noy has recorded thus far. Throughout the record, the writing shows a new, more melodic slant, while still maintaining
Noy's original voice. This album could go a long way towards
introducing this great player to a wider audience.
Oz Noy - Schizophrenic (Magna Carta)
Personnel:
Oz Noy - Guitar
Will Lee - Bass
Keith Carlock - Drums
Anton Fig - Drums
Dave Weckl - Drums
Steve Lukather - Rock Guitar
Ricky Peterson - Keys
Chris Palmaro - Keys
Tracklisting:
1. Ice Pick
2. 120 Heart Beats
3. Seven
4. Schizophrenic
5. Elephant Walk
6. Twice In A While
7. Jelly Blue
8. Underwater Romance
9. Bug Out
Rich
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