“Bassist-composer Neal Miner provides rock-solid grooves and confident, melodic soloing throughout this set of straightahead originals.”

"Miner's uncontrived projection of this lexicon's spirit raises the music appreciably above the generic."

—Bill Shoemaker, Downbeat

"The leader's ingenious arrangements offer something fresh at every turn while leaving the essence of each song intact …Happy Hour is a rich listening experience that pays off handsomely, time and time again …Top 10 Best Releases of 2009."  

“The writing is classic, the playing confident and the atmosphere genial and cozy as Miner’s sextet glides along with concise, effective solos and memorably swinging ensemble passages.”

—Forrest Dylan Bryant, Jazz Times

“Neal Miner is one of a host of best kept secrets among New York jazz club patrons.”

—Ken Dryden, All Music Guide

Four Stars **** “Miner is one of the new breed who has broadened the lyrical and harmonic concepts and technical skills of a Red Mitchell, Ray Brown, or George Mraz to the point that his playing is basically seamless.”

—Dave Nathan, All Music Guide

“Miner develops a fat sound, dishing out large gulps of melody. A generous helping of good time playing.”

—Frank Rubolino, Cadence

“A very good CD, I enjoyed Neal’s playing.”

—Ray Brown, Jazz Bass Legend

“…a light hearted, enjoyable session by bassist Miner’s closely knit quartet…no mean improviser on the instrument…long romantic lines…good mainstream stuff.”

—John Chadwick, Jazz Journal

“Neal’s compositions, like his bass playing, reflect a well- developed melodic sense, and are easy to listen to, unlike much of the jazz played today. Ease of listening doesn’t mean unchallenging, however. Both melodically and rhythmically complex, these pieces reward the attention of the listener.”

—David Katz, New York Stringer

“Neal plays with a classic, warm and woody tone…he projects swing and lyricism…a sense of style that belies his years.”

—Tom Knific, Bass World Magazine

“…Neal lets his full-bodied acoustic tone shine throughout.”

—Greg Olwell, Bass Player Magazine

“Neal Miner is effortlessly charming and rhythmic on the bass.”

—Alan Greenblatt, Amherst News

“Miner’s broad, resonant sound is complemented by a flawless sense of time.”

—Jack Bowers, All About Jazz

“His solos are interesting yet surprisingly simple, while his backing is complex, supportive, yet never intrusive. It’s like watching an excellent dancer during a ballet.”

—David Katz, New York Stringer

“…just hearing the authority in the sound and in Neal’s approach to his improvisation has really given me a model to aspire to.”

—Ed Fuqua, TalkBass.com

“Steady as a rock is Neal Miner, his presence is the heart beat of this ensemble.”

—John Gilbert, Johnny Jazz’s Jazz Page