In addition to being among the elite Smooth Jazz recording artists with five hit singles over the past few years, saxophonist Andrew Neu is so powerfully identified by his legendary touring associations (Bobby Caldwell, Smokey Robinson, Diane Schuur, Norman Brown) that it’s often easy to overlook his amazing facility for dazzling horn arrangements – a versatile skill that led him to record the critically acclaimed big band album CATWALK in 2018. The 2024 Grammy nominee’s punchy, percussive and alternately silky and hard jamming new single “Keep It Real” – Neu’s fourth collaboration with keyboardist/producer Greg Manning – offers spectacular showcases for his emotionally compelling way with a melody and his ever-sizzling brass magic on the explosive choruses. The title is meant as a reminder that real musicians are behind the music we love!
