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| Debut CD from Jimmy McIntosh A working professional over the past 25 years with an impressive list of credentials as a sideman, Las Vegas-based guitarist Jimmy McIntosh finally steps out as a solo artist in his own right on Orleans To London, his long overdue debut as a leader. A hard-grooving, swaggering collection of N'awlins flavored funk, slamming rock and searing blues tunes, this formidable collection features such heavyweights as Art, Cyril and Ivan Neville of the Neville Brothers along with Nevilles drummer "Mean" Willie Green, Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood and guitar hero "Hot Rod" (His initials: J.B.), who makes an uncredited mystery guest appearance on three tracks. McIntosh more than holds his own in such illustrious company, unleashing potent licks that run the gamut of six-string influences from bluesmen B.B. King and Albert Collins to rockers Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Jimi Hendrix to a whole host of jazz guitar greats. And while McIntosh has plied his trade over the years for innumerable shows and studio work as a first-call guitarist on the Vegas scene, he reserves his personal playing for this auspicious showcase. "As a working pro I do whatever it takes to make the gig work and keep the leader happy", says McIntosh. "But on my own, I do my own thing. So there's music I play for a living, which is great. But then there's more creative music that I listen to and play for my own enjoyment." He cites the Stones, the Nevilles, Miles Davis, reggae, and guitar greats Wes Montgomery, Jim Hall, Pat Metheny, John Scofield, Scott Henderson, and Mike Stern as personal favorites. Recorded partly in the Crescent (at Piety Street Recording) and partly in London (at Ronnie Wood's home studio), the aptly-named Orleans To London may not be a cross-section of all the styles that McIntosh has been called on to play in his capacity as first-call guitarist on the Las Vegas show and studio scene, but it fully represents the depth of his own musical interests as both a player and lifelong listener of music. McIntosh has had a long and circuitous route to the making of his auspicious debut as a leader. "It's like a dream come true having Ronnie Wood and Jeff Beck on my record", says Jimmy. "These are heroes of mine, guys I've admired for over 30 years. And Art Neville is a hero as well." write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page |