Search - Neil Cavanagh :: Short Flight to a Distant Star

A new pop genius is unveiled on Short Flight to a Distant Star, the new album by singer/songwriter Neil Cavanagh. The album's 14-cuts of pure sonic bliss recall the greats while forging forward with a fresh new sound. Neil's dream inducing arrangements are built around his captivating tenor, his 12-string acoustic, and a memorable set of songs. While he may have worn nearly all of the hats on the production and performance, creativity and impeccable musicianship abound. Neil's singing and acoustic guitar work shine throughout. Also revealed here in its full flower is a monster electric guitarist whose effortless leads serve the songs perfectly. Ethereal slide atmospherics, cascading counterpoint lines, and some Hendrix worthy pyrotechnics complement the tasty arrangements and huge hooks. Neil is not at all afraid to reference solo Paul McCartney - so much so that he wears a McCartney t-shirt on the inside jacket. Many songs on Short Flight explore the sonic territory of McCartney's first two solo albums (McCartney and Ram), when the music was folksy but not folkie, singable but not (yet) saccharine, with basslines almost as memorable as the melodies, and melodies that stay with you for a real long time. Elliott Smith, who also wore his Beatle obsession on his sleeve, is another major influence over this music, as is fellow late brooder Jeff Buckley (and Jeff's folkie father, Tim Buckley, too for good measure). However interpreted, one thing is for sure - this is a Short Flight that we will want to take again and again.