British composer Todd McNeal has delivered a gem with All My Good Intentions. This timeless collection of ten songs is artfully written and perfectly sets the mood for reflection and relaxation. McNeal, with his classical training, lays the groundwork on the piano and keyboards injecting a cool, intellectual jazz vibe into each finely crafted tune. While some of his songs are rompy and fun, with a Jamie Cullum type appeal, as in the opener “Sunlight Up to the Sky,” McNeal can quickly change gears into a more serious setting. His more hushed piano playing in the quiet uplifting ballad “Let It Go, Brother” was recognized by the Indie International Songwriting Competition in the folk/acoustic category.
McNeal employs the beautifully talented Emma Lewendon on vocals whose crystalline voice easily blends with McNeal’s instrumentation and with herself. With a background in contemporary folk singing, Lewendon expertly controls her voice and creates seamless harmonies, as evident in the coda to the ballad “Count the Miles.” Her voice accompanied by McNeal exudes the warmth of Sarah McLachlan but also bodes a more ripened sage-like quality.
Joining these two Brits on the album are Sydney jazz musicians Dave Ellis on bass and Lawrie Thompson on drums. McNeal has put together a fabulous ensemble to showcase his works and the best part is that there are no spotlight stealers. Everyone plays together adding their own nuances with mature musicianship finesse. Adding flavor to the upbeat “Black Dog” on flute is Graham Jesse. His neat little embellishments blend nicely in this early Chick Corea style number. Jesse is heard again in “Star” along with trumpeter Peter Kartu. While the timbre of Jesse’s instrument mixes well with Lewendon’s vocals, Kartu unfortunately sticks out. Not to say that he does not play his part well, but the brass instrument draws too much attention to itself and may not be the best fit on this album.
In the title track, McNeal opens with a dramatic minor piano melody, closely followed by Thompson’s calm, pulsating entrance. Lewendon shares the fore with the organ as the song progresses, modulating to a major key and crescendos to the powerful climax where Lewendon sings “I will get up and try again.” McNeal should indeed keep trying his best to write more wonderful pieces of music and bringing together other stellar musicians to assist in his interpretations. All My Good Intentions is better than good; it is excellent and highly recommended.
Reviewed By Kelly O’Neil
