New article on Neal

[Don]

Note: I jacked this from the Journey UK Forum

TAKE NOTE, MARTINEZ
By

Jim Caroompas
Guest Columnist
May 6, 2010
Neal Schon

There used to be a club in San Francisco called The Orphanage. It was considered a major venue, where lots of fairly well-known acts came to play, so when my band Colefeat was booked there one night, it was a big deal for us. One of the very nice things about this particular gig was the fact that there was a dressing room. Most of the places we played then (and continue to play now) do not come with a separate room in which to change from street clothes to stage clothes, or to sit quietly and tune the instruments, or just psyche up for the show. It’s a luxury most musicians don’t get to experience. This particular night, we did. And we were doing all those things when, to everyone’s surprise, someone walked in. It was none other than Neal Schon. He was just cruising the clubs, and thought he’d stop by to say hello.

In 1974, the year this took place, Neal Schon was poised to take the mantle from Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix. He was the next designated Guitar God. Everyone knew it – it was just a matter of time. The man was a monster, a guitar player’s guitar player. That’s why he was offered a spot as the second guitar for Derek and the Dominoes in 1971. That’s right – Eric Clapton invited Neal to join the band. And Neal said “no.” Instead, he joined Santana and went on to make several albums with him, before heading in other directions. In the year 1971, an invitation from Eric Clapton was like… well, I’m not sure there was anything like it. It meant that you were the best, the heir apparent, and that year, Neal Schon was certainly that.

I was fortunate enough to see Neal jam with Derek and the Dominoes in 1971, at the Berkeley Community Theater. I didn’t know who he was then, but I hated him. Purely, you understand, out of jealousy. Here was a kid, only a few months older than me, being invited on stage to jam with the guitar player who for me was the finest guitarist who ever took a breath. Given that perspective, and my young age, I listened to Neal trade guitar licks with Clapton and thought “hmm, not bad, but Eric cleaned his clock.”

Cut to 1974, and my unexpected opportunity to ask Neal what the heck he was thinking, turning down Clapton. His answer was two-fold. First, he said, there was a lot of heroin being snorted backstage, and he didn’t want any part of that. A very wise and rational response, though at the time I thought it was silly. Secondly, he said, “I already had the Clapton thing down, I was working on the Hendrix thing.”

That struck me as arrogant, so I decided to teach the kid a lesson. I invited him to play with us, and he graciously agreed to come out for a song. We did our set, then I introduced him and, for the song, I chose the same one I saw him play with Clapton that night: Key to the Highway, by Big Bill Broonzy. Since he was the guest, I took the first couple of solos, and turned in a pretty tasty set of chops, if I do say so myself. I was feeling pretty smug and cocky when I nodded to Neal and he turned in his choruses.

Oh dear reader, I shall never again make that mistake. Neal Schon basically shredded me into a steaming mass of humble that night. He was amazing, astounding. His notes were searing and gorgeous and unerring. His fingers were a brilliant blur of blues-drenched beauty. Oh, I watched and wept, moved by the fury of notes coming out of his amp and at the same time humbled and shamed by the shadow that guy made of me on my stage, in front of my band.

That year, I believe, Neal formed Journey. They put out three albums of progressive rock that didn’t really go anywhere, never really found a large enough audience base to support enough sales to continue making records. The songs weren’t very strong, the singing wasn’t great, and the tunes themselves didn’t really feature Neal’s guitar work in a way that put him in the center of the spotlight. Then their manager, Herbie Herbert, found a guy named Steve Perry. Steve wrote songs with very strong hooks, and he sang distinctively. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Except Neal Schon is not recognized as the legendary guitarist he seemed destined to be. In interviews, he says he’s not a big fan of pop music, yet that’s exactly what Journey came to be – a pop band with rock sensibilities, who pretty much owned the 1980s radio charts. They made a fortune, and I’m sure Neal is grateful for that part. But Journey is known for its tunes, not for Neal Schon’s guitar work.

I wonder if Neal ever ponders, as I do, what happened to the destiny he seemed to be assured of, to step in line as the next guitar legend, to be spoken of in the same breath as Clapton, Hendrix, Vaughn. That never happened for him, and it’s a shame, because Neal Schon plays a legendary guitar.

[Jana]

great article. Neal probably had more angst about it in the 80s and 90s and unrealized dreams. You hit fifties like him and you're able to make a lot of money and be on the road playing (which he seems to crave and put some cool solos in there) and also do your own thing like this year or his solo records and have people enjoy you and still be creative, he's probably pretty satisfied, especially since he's changing gears a little on the Journey album.

[DrFU]

Clapton was nuts in those days ... at least according to Patti Boyd's book Wonderful Tonight ... Neal's instincts were right on, I'd say.

[1984Tigers]

Great article and timing as I was listening to the Derek and the Dominos at the Community Theater in Berkeley, California on November 18, 1970 just today and the November 19th show just yesterday.
Neal was in development for sure, but already proving a gifted musician.

By the way I have lurked here for MANY years , but this is my first post.

[fredinator]

Mmmh, makes me think that he didn't listen to some of the songs off of the early Journey records--Neal's playing is gorgeous on a lot of those songs--some of my favorite tunes are off of those early albums... Thank God he had the common sense to stay away from the heroin.

[fredinator]

... and the tunes themselves didn’t really feature Neal’s guitar work in a way that put him in the center of the spotlight. Then their manager, Herbie Herbert, found a guy named Steve Perry. Steve wrote songs with very strong hooks, and he sang distinctively. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Except Neal Schon is not recognized as the legendary guitarist he seemed destined to be. In interviews, he says he’s not a big fan of pop music, yet that’s exactly what Journey came to be – a pop band with rock sensibilities, who pretty much owned the 1980s radio charts. They made a fortune, and I’m sure Neal is grateful for that part. But Journey is known for its tunes, not for Neal Schon’s guitar work.

I wonder if Neal ever ponders, as I do, what happened to the destiny he seemed to be assured of, to step in line as the next guitar legend, to be spoken of in the same breath as Clapton, Hendrix, Vaughn. That never happened for him, and it’s a shame, because Neal Schon plays a legendary guitar.

I read something someone wrote once about Neal and it rang true to me: the person said that he always played TO the song, not the other way around.

[Don]

I think the guy's point is, he didn't invision that 30 years later, Neal's name still wouldn't be household name like the great ones. Clapton doesn't play to 100 people at the HOB, nor would Vaughn or Hendrix. Without Journey, Neal, the guitar legend doesn't really exist for the majority of people.

[Rick]

I think the guy's point is, he didn't invision that 30 years later, Neal's name still wouldn't be household name like the great ones. Clapton doesn't play to 100 people at the HOB, nor would Vaughn or Hendrix. Without Journey, Neal, the guitar legend doesn't really exist for the majority of people.

Although, without Journey, it very well might.

[fredinator]

Yes, I see that--that's true. I'm not jumping on him, lol, please don't think that even though I heartily disagree about the early Journey albums... I guess the question is did Neal know that? If he did, did he care about that kind of fame? I wonder...

[Don]

I think the guy's point is, he didn't invision that 30 years later, Neal's name still wouldn't be household name like the great ones. Clapton doesn't play to 100 people at the HOB, nor would Vaughn or Hendrix. Without Journey, Neal, the guitar legend doesn't really exist for the majority of people.

Although, without Journey, it very well might.

I agree. When Voice wss nominated for a Grammy, that was definitely the crossroads for Neal where he may have really established himself as a solo artist. He chose the route that went the other way (the continuation of the band). It was of course a great financial decision but whether it has all been as fullfilling for him personally as an individual, I wouldn't know.

[Michigan Girl]

Great article and timing as I was listening to the Derek and the Dominos at the Community Theater in Berkeley, California on November 18, 1970 just today and the November 19th show just yesterday.
Neal was in development for sure, but already proving a gifted musician.

By the way I have lurked here for MANY years , but this is my first post.

Hey, Welcome!!

[Michigan Girl]

Neal Schon basically shredded me into a steaming mass of humble that night. He was amazing, astounding. His notes were searing and gorgeous and unerring. His fingers were a brilliant blur of blues-drenched beauty. Oh, I watched and wept, moved by the fury of notes coming out of his amp and at the same time humbled and shamed by the shadow that guy made of me on my stage, in front of my band.

Words of beauty!!

[TRAGChick]

Great article and timing as I was listening to the Derek and the Dominos at the Community Theater in Berkeley, California on November 18, 1970 just today and the November 19th show just yesterday.
Neal was in development for sure, but already proving a gifted musician.

By the way I have lurked here for MANY years , but this is my first post.

Hey, Welcome!!

+1 - Hang out and enjoy! \~/

[SherriBerry]

Great article and timing as I was listening to the Derek and the Dominos at the Community Theater in Berkeley, California on November 18, 1970 just today and the November 19th show just yesterday.
Neal was in development for sure, but already proving a gifted musician.

By the way I have lurked here for MANY years , but this is my first post.

Hey, Welcome!!

+1 - Hang out and enjoy! \~/

+2 - Welcome - great to see a new poster! You wouldn't happen to be a Magnum, PI fan too would you? Whenever I see the symbol for the Detroit Tigers, I think of Magnum's baseball hat!

[Peartree12249]

Mmmmmmmmm Magnum ......Oh, sorry Welcome !

[Everett]

Great article and timing as I was listening to the Derek and the Dominos at the Community Theater in Berkeley, California on November 18, 1970 just today and the November 19th show just yesterday.
Neal was in development for sure, but already proving a gifted musician.

By the way I have lurked here for MANY years , but this is my first post.

Welcome aboard. Don't forget to say "hi" to us loons downstairs either

[1984Tigers]

Thanks to all for the welcome.

Yes on the Magnum question by the way.

[SF-Dano]

I think the guy's point is, he didn't invision that 30 years later, Neal's name still wouldn't be household name like the great ones. Clapton doesn't play to 100 people at the HOB, nor would Vaughn or Hendrix. Without Journey, Neal, the guitar legend doesn't really exist for the majority of people.

I get what your saying, Neal noteriety wise is not on the same level as EC, SRV, or JH. However, if it was the late 70s, 80s, or even early 90's, I have no doubt that Neal Schon would have packed these smaller venues. I realize the "Neal Schon Band" may have been, in small part, a way to get Miles out there - but the right time for the "Neal Schon Band" was around 1988-1993. That is if he really wanted to make a name for himself on the level of the others mentioned above. But maybe that is not something that nagged at him still. Hell, I consider his talent right up there with any of those greats.

[RocknRoll]

I thought this was interesting that a college graduate in Australia knows of and enjoys the playing of Neal Schon. I didn't think too many people in Oz even knew of Journey. (Journey Heavier??) If nothing else Neal will always be known as a guitarist's guitarist.

Schon/Lukather would make a great show along the lines of Satriani's G3 tour.


http://www.northernstar.com.au/story/20 ... niversity/

...The Robinson household was filled with all types of music when Todd was growing up, and dad’s collection of metal LPs were on high rotate.

“I introduced him to everything from Kenny Rogers to Metallica,” Geoff said.

And it seems the heavier side won out, as Todd particularly enjoys the sounds made by Neal Schon, of Journey, and Steve Lukather, of Toto...

[Red13JoePa]

Without Journey, Neal, the guitar legend doesn't really exist for the majority of people.

Good thing he was sure to found the band then! *PHWEW!!!* Close one.

[steveo777]

Without Journey, Neal, the guitar legend doesn't really exist for the majority of people.

Good thing he was sure to found the band then! *PHWEW!!!* Close one.

Hey, whoever ordered the smart ass, he's here.

[Don]

It's sort of funny when the DJ sometimes say "And before that, Steve Perry and Journey with Faithfully". Are they trying to tell you that there is a different Journey out there without Steve Perry or what are they getting at exactly? Maybe we'll get to hear them say, if only for one time, "And that was Neal Schon and Journey"

[Chubby321]

Note: I jacked this from the Journey UK Forum

TAKE NOTE, MARTINEZ
By

Jim Caroompas
Guest Columnist
May 6, 2010
Neal Schon



That struck me as arrogant, so I decided to teach the kid a lesson. I invited him to play with us, and he graciously agreed to come out for a song. We did our set, then I introduced him and, for the song, I chose the same one I saw him play with Clapton that night: Key to the Highway, by Big Bill Broonzy. Since he was the guest, I took the first couple of solos, and turned in a pretty tasty set of chops, if I do say so myself. I was feeling pretty smug and cocky when I nodded to Neal and he turned in his choruses.

Oh dear reader, I shall never again make that mistake. Neal Schon basically shredded me into a steaming mass of humble that night. He was amazing, astounding. His notes were searing and gorgeous and unerring. His fingers were a brilliant blur of blues-drenched beauty. Oh, I watched and wept, moved by the fury of notes coming out of his amp and at the same time humbled and shamed by the shadow that guy made of me on my stage, in front of my band.

Lesson learned.

[sp old ldy]

I have read that this is Neals latest squeeze!!

[steveo777]

I have read that this is Neals latest squeeze!!

And who is THIS?

Neal looks happy, but his nose looks like one who has been drinking again. I hope not!

Seriously, I can tell a nose of one who is drinking vs one who has some sobriety. Their nose changes, even over short periods of time.

[sp old ldy]

I don't know who she is, it didn't say, sorry.

[Jana]

I don't know who she is, it didn't say, sorry.

That's the one they were talking about on here a while back they were posting all over facebook. She's an 80s Playboy centerfold. Ava something.

[sp old ldy]

Yeah I just read she is Ava Fabian a Playboy model, and his latest toy, I suppose.

[steveo777]

I don't know who she is, it didn't say, sorry.

That's the one they were talking about on here a while back they were posting all over facebook. She's an 80s Playboy centerfold. Ava something.

I figured it out. Very easy google search. Neal sure knows how to pick em....no assurances of long term relationships, but he probably likes it that way. Also, it's probably better for him to be able to satisfy is primal urges without attachment at this point in his life. Seems like at that age the Philippines would be a great place to spend time. He could be one hell of a sugar daddy there and find some real nice girls that would be into a reciprocal relationship.

[slucero]

Ava Fabian...

John Lovitz had her 1st...