The recently released Ready to Play from guitarist Nils is a nice change of pace from a lot of the music out there today. The title track starts the set and is a very infectious tune that moves well and plays off of a lot of syncopated riffs and an edgy chorus. This one catches you right away and makes you stay tuned to the remainder of the disc. You’ll hear a lot of radio play of this cut.  “Just Smile” changes the pace a little and sounds like a nice club number. Once again the chorus is catchy while acting as a backdrop for nice solos.  “Catnap” is laid back and bluesy. Leon Bisquera’s Fender lays down the background for Nils’s guitar to play off.  “Midnight Breeze” is pushed along by a good bass undertone. Nils seems to be telling a story with his guitar before coming back to yet another great chorus. The melody plays off of layers of keyboards and programming. It’s a haunting number that will keep you humming long after it’s finished.

“Sunrise on Sunset” would be a natural progression (after midnight) with a nice opening it settles in for another one that’s both catchy and inviting. “You Gotta Be” and “My Girl” are two cover songs that come off well while “Dreamin’” sounds just like that. Its mystic layered tones envision a mind wandering trip via Nils’s guitar. “Hi Five” on the other hand picks up the pace while “Only You” returns to a bluesy feel.  “Hurry Up & Wait” begins slowly with keyboard introduction before finishing up with the retrospective “Last Night.”

The music here is well written with great choruses that catch your attention. Nil’s guitar is incorporated into all the songs well while not coming across to heavy or mundane. I really enjoyed this one and think you will too.

- Harvey Cline