Journey guitarist Neal Schon is premiering “El Matador”, the lead track from his forthcoming instrumental solo album, “Vortex.”
Due June 23, the 2CD set sees Schon regroup with keyboardists Jan Hammer and Igor Len and former Journey drummer Steve Smith to mix elements of rock, jazz, classical and world music over an 18-song package.
"Jan is all over this album,” says Schon of the follow-up to 2014’s “So U.” “I wrote the material to give Jan room to stretch. There are not many three-minute ditties. It's all huge, epic, bombastic…futuristic."
“This is an evolutionary album for me,” continues the guitarist. “I've always aspired to be a better player and push musical boundaries. And sure, I've sold 80-million records with Journey, and I'm proud of that, but this album is really me — all based on my guitar, which is my 'voice.' It's bold. There's love, and there's definitely fire and an element of danger. And the energy level is off the hook."
Schon and Journey kick off their first Las Vegas residency on Wednesday, a run that will see the band perform 9 shows at The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino between April 29 and May 16.
Journey were named the No. 3 Rock News Artist Of The Year and delivered both the No. 5 Rock News Story Of The Year and No. 7 Rock News Story of The Year as part of the 5th annual hennemusic Rock News Awards.
Neal Schon
“Vortex”
Release date: June 23
CD1
01. Miles Beyond
02. Awakening
03. Cuban Fly Zone
04. El Matador
05. Eternal Love
06. In a Cloud
07. Irish Cream
08. Lady M (Our love Remains)
09. NS Vortex
CD2
01. Tortured Souls
02. Schon & Hammer Now
03. Airliner NS910
04. Unspoken Faith
05. Twilight - Spellbound
06. Triumph of Love
07. Mom
08. Talk to Me
09. White Light
See also:
Journey to open Hollywood Bowl 2015 season
Journey announce Canadian tour
Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 3: JOURNEY
Journey announce Las Vegas residency
Search Journey at hennemusic
