Emerging from the pack of sidemen guitarists, Michael O’Neil has put together an all-star band and recruited some of the best musicians in the business to assist on his third and latest album, Funky Fiesta, released in mid-December on Green Bean Records.  This CD contains some of the flavor of Michael’s Latin heritage along with funky R&B to give you some really cool sounds.

The band accompanying Michael is nothing less than stellar.  Oscar Seaton (drums), David Garfield (keys), Alphonso Johnson(bass), and Freddie Ravel (keys).  Add to that the likes of Michael Lington, Gregg Karukas, Nathan East, and Everette Harp, and you have a mix that can’t be beat.

The CD opens with the title track.  Besides the groove laid down by Michael, Kenya Hathaway provides vocals that add depth to this song.  Michael’s guitar is crisp and melodic.  “The Journey” has got to be my personal favorite.  Michael Lington’s sax blends beautifully alongside the guitar.  They have a terrific give-and-take throughout.  It’s quite a happy track.  Everette Harp joins Michael on “Yeah That’s It.”  This song is very beat driven.  The sax and guitar follow the beat to create a great sound.  Occasionally, the sax takes over as the focal point, but the drum beat never lets up.  The aptly titled “Smooth As Silk” is a steady stream of pure guitar.  It’s definitely mood music.  The gentle keyboard work is provided by David Garfield.

Michael’s Latin heritage is the focus on “Contigo Café.”  The subtle scatting is provided by Michael himself and is a great fit to this track.  His guitar work is very funky and fast-paced.  “Once in Brazil” has a terrific melody and is a tune that stays in your head.  It has a slight samba beat to it, which really draws you in.  Michael lets his groovier side fly on “I Wanna Grow.”  It’s a very R&B-influenced tune; very hip.  Freddie Ravel plays in nicely next to the guitar.  The vocal track, “Keep On Believin’” fits in well and is a nice break in the middle of the other instrumental tracks.  The vocals are provided by Julian Miranda.  “Summer Nites” features a lead guitar that is flanked by keyboards.  It is a wonderful blend that definitely gives that feel of a warm evening and cool music.  “Wes & Les,” features Michael with Gregg Karukas and Gary Grainger.  This is a very funky, retro, guitar/bass driven song.  Gregg’s keys also add depth and fun to this track.  The CD ends with “The Gift.”  Michael plays the acoustic guitar on this one with Freddie Ravel on keys.  This is a very peaceful ending to the very funky CD and truly shows the diversity of the music that Michael O’Neill can play.

This CD is one that is going to be a wonderful asset to any collection and one that will definitely break Michael O’Neill out of the pack of guitarists.  Check out Funky Fiesta.  You will not be disappointed.

- Bonnie Schendell