Andrew Neu has two other solo albums: “Inspire” (released in 2000) and “In Clear View” (released in 2007). If you heard Neu’s latest album then you know that you should “Try Something Neu” that was released in 2009.

Influences of the album exhibit a master at work with precision execution of his saxophones. It comes as no surprise, given his history with many Philadelphia based artists, that Neu has strong ties to Philadelphia. He plays with assurance and the album’s music reflects purposeful intentions without hesitation.

He has toured the country with Bobby Caldwell, whose “When I Fall” [in Love] was featured on two tracks of this album. Neu has shared the stage with legendary greats: Sir Elton John, Patti Labelle, Melissa Manchester, Diane Schurr, The Four Tops, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Temptations, Mel Torme and others. He has recorded as a soloist with Sister Sledge, Manhattan Transfer and Buddy DeFranco (jazz legend).

Whether he is performing with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops or Chris Botti this album gives you a taste of the many hors devours from his plate of talents. Neu cannot be categorized in one genre without ignoring another.

“Chez Cool” steps up and introduces itself as track one. No time is wasted on slow builds as he gets down to business with playing the Tenor and Alto Saxophones. Chuck Loeb (Solo Guitar) and Wendell Sewell (Rhythm Guitar) gives balance to the piece with a distinct swagger.

Move over one track to hear “Libra Rising”. This time Neu plays the Soprano and Alto Saxophones with the artistic ability of a man well beyond his years. Note by note you are carried right up to the very end without realizing it. The five plus minutes slip by with the blink of an eye.

The first five cuts from the album of Neu playing all three of his saxophones are a delight. Here is an artist not afraid to take risks within musical constraints. When you hear “South by Southwest”, “Open Mind” and “The Way Forward” there is a sense of an artisan’s musical playground. He plays for himself while the audience is allowed to observe. It is a delicate balance of tight control and utter chaos and always pushing the opposite ends of the spectrum.

When Caldwell does the vocals for the original and instrumental versions of “When I Fall” [in Love] there is a revitalization of an era gone but not forgotten. Neu plays the legendary piece, Alto Saxophone, with a reverence to this classic. “When I Fall” [in Love], instrumental, includes Caldwell’s intermittent vocals that remind you why this piece possesses so much allure. It is timeless and will never leave the archives of a well-stocked music library.

The beginning of the second half of the album includes “No Hang Tonight”, written by Neu. It is a modern version of ragtime and swing music. Demetrios Pappas plays the piano that lends a swing time funk. Neu’s Tenor Saxophone and Chuck Gottesman’s trumpet are tag-teaming notes to create the light-hearted piece. “Wanderlust” brings the tempo down a notch without the loss of the artist’s signature stamp. “The Nut” is a funky piece that you can groove on while listening. Tenor Saxophone has never sounded so funky or had that much swagger until you hear Neu play it in this cut.

“Try Something Neu” is the last song before the bonus track and allows you to land on solid ground. It is the sum of Neu’s extraordinary talent as an accomplished arranger, composer, musician and recording artist. This piece embodies the spirit of the album with energy and verve. It says I am not renting the notes I play; I own the music I create.

Neu has written six out of the 10 tracks and it showcases his diversity of the many infused styles without compromise. The cuts from the album criss-cross the spectrum with sophistication, elegance, funk and nostalgic overtones.