Sam McNally: Reviews

"Jubilation. Sam McNally (Song 1st Productions) 7 stars:

Keyboardist Sam McNally is one of those smooth jazz players who invest the genre with some bite. By tackling standards such as Chick Corea's Spain and Miles's All Blues (a more charged and funky version than the original) he demonstrates broad enough resources and purpose........McNally's pre-eminence as a keyboards player means he can call on many fine musician friends, not least the brilliant drummer David Jones who is a joy to hear. ....."

Album: Peace Entourage
Artist: Sam McNally

Sam McNally has been involved in the Australian music scene, essentially in the jazz/blues genre for the past 20 years, playing with elites such as Tommy Emmanuel, John Farnham, Marcia Hines and Percy Sledge – to name a few.

This CD, Peace Entourage, sees Sam venturing into relatively new territory where he explores the peace that can be created though music when there is little structured, intentional direction. Recorded live at ‘Inner Space’ retreat centre in Wilton, NSW, Peace Entourage utilises electric piano and synthesizers to create an ambient, quiet and peaceful sound. Ideal for background music and relaxation.

"Sam McNally writes and plays crisp piano. He does it on the kind of cruising jazz with soft-focus rhythms that makes for a relaxed soundtrack to these long summer evenings. Among the all-star cast are drummer David Jones and Tommy Emmanuel.

Personally, I prefer the vivacity of McNally's home-grown fusion to the almost relentless gusto with which the virtuosity is served up elsewhere..."

"To succeed in this field one has to be touched with towering genius,
or be so tight you make the icicled monkey flaccid by comparison - competence just isn't good enough".

"This album's appeal lies in its daring. It gives notice that Australia is prepared to take on the Americans in a card game where they hold all the trumps".

"Leading the pack, incredible keyboardist and Australian music icon, Sam McNally, returns to Melbourne's The Continental on Feb. 29; best known from his influential days with Stylus, John Farnham and Tommy Emmanuel, Sam is about to put his stamp on Australian Jazz Fusion with his amazing band of all-star Australian musicians."

"...The SM Band follows in the footsteps of other world-class fusion acts to recently play The Conti - Dave Weckl Band, Mike Stern, Billy Cobham/Randy Brecker and Vital Information......"

"Next came the ever electric and talented Sam McNally; his presence as always illuminated the stage. He transcended every musical style imagineable with his amazing wizardry and funky keyboard arrangements!"

"Sam McNally is a fine musician;
anyone who can use synthesizers and electronics to such good effect deserves commendation. He is also a composer of wit and emotion.."

"In a smooth jazz world one is constantly rewarded by good taste. But Sam McNally's 'Jubilation' is a breathtaking and bountiful offering of rich musical talent and expertise.

Very often I have heard rough mixes of CDs in the making and been suitably impressed. Usually enough to program tracks right away. But the finished product in this case is, in a word, outstanding!

Buy this CD. Play it. Hear it.
You'll 'feel' it. Jubilation!"

- Terence Gaynon,
MD of smoothjazz.com.au