Neal - In "writing mode"

[Ehwmatt]

Neal's facebook status today:

Getting ready to go into writing mode.... Once I start I won't come out until I have the goods

AWESOME. Hope he writes some killer rockin material.

[Don]

Neal's facebook status today:

Getting ready to go into writing mode.... Once I start I won't come out until I have the goods

AWESOME. Hope he writes some killer rockin material.

Is he talking about material for his solo album?

[Ehwmatt]

Neal's facebook status today:

Getting ready to go into writing mode.... Once I start I won't come out until I have the goods

AWESOME. Hope he writes some killer rockin material.

Is he talking about material for his solo album?

One would assume so, although a song or two could end up on the next Jrny album.

[Michigan Girl]

Neal's facebook status today:

Getting ready to go into writing mode.... Once I start I won't come out until I have the goods

AWESOME. Hope he writes some killer rockin material.

That's some serious talk...go Neal!!

[brywool]

wonder what his writing process is. I would assume that he turns on the tape and just starts playing riffs till he does one that he likes then goes of that to build the song. Neal doesn't do any lyrics, does he? Isn't that Cain's dept?

[Ehwmatt]

wonder what his writing process is. I would assume that he turns on the tape and just starts playing riffs till he does one that he likes then goes of that to build the song. Neal doesn't do any lyrics, does he? Isn't that Cain's dept?

Who wrote the lyrics for Schon/Hammer and what not?

I would love to sit there and watch him, especially once he's got a progression set and he starts playing leads over it.

[brywool]

wonder what his writing process is. I would assume that he turns on the tape and just starts playing riffs till he does one that he likes then goes of that to build the song. Neal doesn't do any lyrics, does he? Isn't that Cain's dept?

Who wrote the lyrics for Schon/Hammer and what not?

I would love to sit there and watch him, especially once he's got a progression set and he starts playing leads over it.

totally. Oh yeah, Schon and Hammer. Forgot that. There's one song on that first album that starts with this really cool bass line, crap, can't remember it. Haven't listened to it in years. Maybe he does do some lyric stuff.

[ScarabGator]

If its for new Journey material I really wish he were in "firing" mode first.....get a real frontman in there.

[Babyblue]

If its for new Journey material I really wish he were in "firing" mode first.....get a real frontman in there.

Could not agree more.Get JSS back!

[(Crazy)Dulce Lady]

If its for new Journey material I really wish he were in "firing" mode first.....get a real frontman in there.

Could not agree more.Get JSS back!

nope. he is taken.

[Rick]

If its for new Journey material I really wish he were in "firing" mode first.....get a real frontman in there.

Really? You think they could have done better with anyone else beside Perry? Name them and list the reasons. Including your projections on ticket sales. Arnel was/is solid bank for Journey, and he sings the piss out of the catalog. Neal was right on this one. You're fucking delusional.

[Maui Tom]

If its for new Journey material I really wish he were in "firing" mode first.....get a real frontman in there.

Really? You think they could have done better with anyone else beside Perry? Name them and list the reasons. Including your projections on ticket sales. Arnel was/is solid bank for Journey, and he sings the piss out of the catalog. Neal was right on this one. You're fucking delusional.

Tebow is down to his last couple games....SG is slowly losing bodily functions....

[Abitaman]

If its for new Journey material I really wish he were in "firing" mode first.....get a real frontman in there.

I know I have been down on AP and would like to see someone else in there. But I am willing to hear a cd with him, with him helping on the writing. Just wish he would calm down on stage and speak better English.
If this isn't a good cd bring in Kevin, heck bring Kevin in now, sorry AP, as long as Kevin is around.....

[ScarabGator]

If its for new Journey material I really wish he were in "firing" mode first.....get a real frontman in there.

Really? You think they could have done better with anyone else beside Perry? Name them and list the reasons. Including your projections on ticket sales. Arnel was/is solid bank for Journey, and he sings the piss out of the catalog. Neal was right on this one. You're fucking delusional.

Rick, I could list several and the main reasons I believe they would be better include the following:
1- DICTION-arent you tired of his speech not getting any better????
2-SUPER BOWL PERFORMANCE-still makes me wanna puke when I think about it.

Singers that are/were/could be better include: JSS, Kevin Chalfant, Jason Kelty, Jeremey Hunsicker, Steve Augeri or try the old fashioned way of trying people out. I sure there are plenty that could "carry on the legacy" out there.
I may be delusional but its caused from drinking cheap beer, not arnie boy!!!

[ScarabGator]

If its for new Journey material I really wish he were in "firing" mode first.....get a real frontman in there.

Really? You think they could have done better with anyone else beside Perry? Name them and list the reasons. Including your projections on ticket sales. Arnel was/is solid bank for Journey, and he sings the piss out of the catalog. Neal was right on this one. You're fucking delusional.

Tebow is down to his last couple games....SG is slowly losing bodily functions....

I'll be there tomorrow for his last home game and I know I will not be able to contain myself. Ive been depressed all week and I finally realized why-because of Tebow's senior year coming to an end. And while I think Florida will still be awesome next year they, or anyone else for that matter will ever be able to replace a man like Tebow.

[Babyblue]

If its for new Journey material I really wish he were in "firing" mode first.....get a real frontman in there.

Really? You think they could have done better with anyone else beside Perry? Name them and list the reasons. Including your projections on ticket sales. Arnel was/is solid bank for Journey, and he sings the piss out of the catalog. Neal was right on this one. You're fucking delusional.

Tebow is down to his last couple games....SG is slowly losing bodily functions....

I'll be there tomorrow for his last home game and I know I will not be able to contain myself. Ive been depressed all week and I finally realized why-because of Tebow's senior year coming to an end. And while I think Florida will still be awesome next year they, or anyone else for that matter will ever be able to replace a man like Tebow.

I agree with you SG. It is not going to be the same with out him that is for sure.

Today is my big game and i am so ready for it.Alabama /Auburn game.ROLL TIDE baby all the way. :Iron Bowl

[ScarabGator]

If its for new Journey material I really wish he were in "firing" mode first.....get a real frontman in there.

Really? You think they could have done better with anyone else beside Perry? Name them and list the reasons. Including your projections on ticket sales. Arnel was/is solid bank for Journey, and he sings the piss out of the catalog. Neal was right on this one. You're fucking delusional.

Tebow is down to his last couple games....SG is slowly losing bodily functions....

I'll be there tomorrow for his last home game and I know I will not be able to contain myself. Ive been depressed all week and I finally realized why-because of Tebow's senior year coming to an end. And while I think Florida will still be awesome next year they, or anyone else for that matter will ever be able to replace a man like Tebow.

I agree with you SG. It is not going to be the same with out him that is for sure.

Today is my big game and i am so ready for it.Alabama /Auburn game.ROLL TIDE baby all the way. :Iron Bowl

Roll Tide BB!!!!!! I'll be planted at the TV for this game as well!!!!

[The_Noble_Cause]

Singers that are/were/could be better include: JSS, Kevin Chalfant, Jason Kelty, Jeremey Hunsicker, Steve Augeri or try the old fashioned way of trying people out. I sure there are plenty that could "carry on the legacy" out there.
I may be delusional but its caused from drinking cheap beer, not arnie boy!!!

I'm with ya on the diction problems, but I think Arnel sings circles around all those guys.
Personally, I'd prefer a JSS or KC, not because they can hit high notes better (because they can't), but because they have melodic street cred and would add something to the mix.
Arnel will get to prove his worth on the next album, I think.
With Augeri, Neal kept talking about the band gelling and finding some great new writing chemistry, and then never delivered.

[Babyblue]

If its for new Journey material I really wish he were in "firing" mode first.....get a real frontman in there.

Really? You think they could have done better with anyone else beside Perry? Name them and list the reasons. Including your projections on ticket sales. Arnel was/is solid bank for Journey, and he sings the piss out of the catalog. Neal was right on this one. You're fucking delusional.

Tebow is down to his last couple games....SG is slowly losing bodily functions....

I'll be there tomorrow for his last home game and I know I will not be able to contain myself. Ive been depressed all week and I finally realized why-because of Tebow's senior year coming to an end. And while I think Florida will still be awesome next year they, or anyone else for that matter will ever be able to replace a man like Tebow.

I agree with you SG. It is not going to be the same with out him that is for sure.

Today is my big game and i am so ready for it.Alabama /Auburn game.ROLL TIDE baby all the way. :Iron Bowl

Roll Tide BB!!!!!! I'll be planted at the TV for this game as well!!!!

Cool!!!! Have fun watching the game SG Cause i know i am

[Escape81]

I'm with ya on the diction problems, but I think Arnel sings circles around all those guys.

The diction problems can be obnoxious, but I find them no less distracting than Perry's histrionics on stage and incompetent pronunciation of words live or Augeri's ducked notes or Soto's squeals and shrieks. I echo Gator's sentiments: there should have been some substantial improvement by now. Not colossal, since that's next to impossible, but Arnel's lack of formal training is very apparent.

Personally, I'd prefer a JSS or KC, not because they can hit high notes better (because they can't), but because they have melodic street cred and would add something to the mix.

I wouldn't prefer Soto, simply because while the new material might be enticing, he didn't do a good enough job for me personally on the old material. I'm surprised you mention Chalfant; his work on the Storm's albums indicate a range easily on par with either Perry's or Arnel's (I'll be honest, I was more impressed with Chalfant's technical skills than either Perry or Arnel's studio performances). But Herbie mentioned Chalfant's age playing a factor; maybe he can't hit the notes like he used to.

But he would have been my ideal candidate.

Arnel will get to prove his worth on the next album, I think.
With Augeri, Neal kept talking about the band gelling and finding some great new writing chemistry, and then never delivered.

I respect Neal Schon, but he seems to be a broken record and eternal optimist. Everything's "the real deal" to him.

[Jeremey]

Hopefully Neal's "writing mode" will result in another fantastic guitar record like "Beyond The Thunder."

[Jeremey]

I'll be honest, I was more impressed with Chalfant's technical skills than either Perry or Arnel's studio performances.

Seriously? Wow. I guess everyone is entitled to their opinion!

[Escape81]

I'll be honest, I was more impressed with Chalfant's technical skills than either Perry or Arnel's studio performances.

Seriously? Wow. I guess everyone is entitled to their opinion!

Absolutely.

To clarify, Perry remains my favorite all-time singer, but not because he stands alone in ability. He has rivals, peers, confederates who possess attributes on par and (occasionally) in excess of his own. Take my favorite vocal performance of Perry's, Why Can't This Night Go On Forever. Sure, sure, he hit higher notes in songs like Somethin' To Hide and Sweet & Simple, and sure, sure, he hit sustained lower notes in songs like Can't Stop and Captured by the Moment, but he utilized his slightly diminished range to the best of his ability while simultaneously imbuing it with a chilling amount of power and emotive quality.

What impressed me about Chalfant is that same quality Perry had during ROR and FtLoSM: he used all of his range, the highs and lows. It was versatile and acrobatic; Show Me the Way demonstrated some remarkably clean highs that rival any of Perry's '70s material while having moments of Perry's 80s gutteral, raw power -- "Oh take me there!" during the bridge. You won't find such versatility in Perry's '70s material, it was all stratospheric notes.

Maybe that seems too confusing, but it's the best I can articulate.

[Jubilee]

Hopefully Neal's "writing mode" will result in another fantastic guitar record like "Beyond The Thunder."

+1

I dare say that's one good thing you can never get enough of...EVVVVER!

[Ehwmatt]

Hopefully Neal's "writing mode" will result in another fantastic guitar record like "Beyond The Thunder."

A few years ago, I heard the first 3 notes of Big Moon and went to eBay and bought myself a Strat right away.

[The_Noble_Cause]

I wouldn't prefer Soto, simply because while the new material might be enticing, he didn't do a good enough job for me personally on the old material. I'm surprised you mention Chalfant; his work on the Storm's albums indicate a range easily on par with either Perry's or Arnel's (I'll be honest, I was more impressed with Chalfant's technical skills than either Perry or Arnel's studio performances). But Herbie mentioned Chalfant's age playing a factor; maybe he can't hit the notes like he used to.

But he would have been my ideal candidate.

If Chalfant is detuning Journey songs in the studio, as he did for Fly2Freedom, that tells you something.
No doubt - he was the right choice after ROR and TBF, but at his age, I just don't know if his voice would hold up.
Touring is a young man's game.
I've said repeatedly, that not chooing KC was the band's biggest post-perry mistake.
In hindsight, the Augeri-era was almost just marking time.

[FishinMagician]

Hopefully Neal's "writing mode" will result in another fantastic guitar record like "Beyond The Thunder."

A few years ago, I heard the first 3 notes of Big Moon and went to eBay and bought myself a Strat right away.

that is an awesome tone. Neal should bust out the strats more often

[Abitaman]

I wouldn't prefer Soto, simply because while the new material might be enticing, he didn't do a good enough job for me personally on the old material. I'm surprised you mention Chalfant; his work on the Storm's albums indicate a range easily on par with either Perry's or Arnel's (I'll be honest, I was more impressed with Chalfant's technical skills than either Perry or Arnel's studio performances). But Herbie mentioned Chalfant's age playing a factor; maybe he can't hit the notes like he used to.

But he would have been my ideal candidate.

If Chalfant is detuning Journey songs in the studio, as he did for Fly2Freedom, that tells you something.
No doubt - he was the right choice after ROR and TBF, but at his age, I just don't know if his voice would hold up.
Touring is a young man's game.
I've said repeatedly, that not chooing KC was the band's biggest post-perry mistake.
In hindsight, the Augeri-era was almost just marking time.

It is a shame that the Augeri era is "just making time", but they did put out two very good cds (out of 3). Just didn't sell well, which had to do more with the leak of Arrival, the indie mini cd and giving away generations. They should have gave away a 4 or 5 song cd to get people interested in Generations, not give away the whole thing. But a lot of people know not of Augeri, they thought Perry got a perm

And for Kevin I would take a detuned Kevin over AP any day.

[SherriBerry]

Hopefully Neal's "writing mode" will result in another fantastic guitar record like "Beyond The Thunder."

A few years ago, I heard the first 3 notes of Big Moon and went to eBay and bought myself a Strat right away.

that is an awesome tone. Neal should bust out the strats more often

I absolutely love Beyond the Thunder. It is so incredible that if I listen to it while I sleep, I have beautiful dreams. If Neal puts out a new album like that one, I will be beyond happy! Does anyone know when he expects to release his solo album and whether he intends to do a mini tour to promote it?

[brywool]

Hopefully Neal's "writing mode" will result in another fantastic guitar record like "Beyond The Thunder."

A few years ago, I heard the first 3 notes of Big Moon and went to eBay and bought myself a Strat right away.

that is an awesome tone. Neal should bust out the strats more often

I absolutely love Beyond the Thunder. It is so incredible that if I listen to it while I sleep, I have beautiful dreams. If Neal puts out a new album like that one, I will be beyond happy! Does anyone know when he expects to release his solo album and whether he intends to do a mini tour to promote it?

None of his solo albums got anything on Late Nite. That's the best one he did, hands down.