At age 15,
Neal Schon landed job offers from both
Carlos Santana and
Eric Clapton -- in the same week!
Schon would eventually join
Santana where he would meet keyboardist
Gregg Rolie. After a short stint with
Santana,
Schon and
Rolie would leave to form the super successful
Journey. Despite
Journey's ascension to the pinnacle of the rock world,
Schon was often criticized for failing to live up to his advanced billing. The adulation of rock luminaries such as
Carlos Santana and
Eric Clapton left no room for anything but the Second Coming. Million's of fans saw it differently.
Journey would eventually become the largest selling act in Columbia Records history; and, a 1983 Gallup Poll named
Journey America's favorite band. Even in
Journey, though,
Schon's contributions were often eclipsed by the unique voice of
Steve Perry. It would take him the better part of two decades, and the 1989 release of
Late Nite, before he would finally take center stage.
Late Nite represents a fully articulated vision of the
Schon signature. From the opening of the title track to "Inner Circles,"
Schon, and keyboardist/composer
Bob Marlette (
Al Stewart,
John Wetton,
Tracy Chapman, et al.), create a soundscape of passion that is at once melodic, epic, and moving. In fact, there are few, if any, recordings that deliver as potent an emotional experience. In essence,
Late Nite is a study in anthemic expression that can implant itself in the imagination of the listener. The majestic "Steps" is a perfect example of how the duo has encapsulated melodic electricity into a four-minute archetype of breathtaking beauty. Most of the album lingers in the psyche long after you've turned it off. What could easily have been an exercise in excess,
Schon and
Marlette serve up with good taste. Moreover, all of the tracks grab the listener with sharp, engaging, melodies. The arrangements provide the perfect launching pad for
Schon's soaring guitar solos. A mix of instrumental and vocal tracks,
Schon show's he is equally adept in both areas. No, he was not blessed with a
Steve Perry voice, though his has pleasing qualities, and he is more than up to the challenge. Strong backups throughout
Late Nite, which are at times soulful as on the charged "Rain's Comin' Down," also help to enhance the angelic quality of the tracks.
Schon would later reinvent his guitar signature on the beautiful Beyond the Thunder. He would then shift gears again for Electric World, evolving yet another hybrid. Not a commercial success when it was released,
Late Nite remains a thoroughly engrossing and at times, beautiful work. ~ Jeri Montesano