Neal Casal

Beautiful tributes coming in for Neal Casal. Been feeling heartbroken at the loss of someone who was a huge musical inspiration to me. World class musician, singer/songwriter, photographer and such a warm, kind soul.
He provided huge encouragement when I was starting my career. I loved his music so much I would perform and cover his beautiful songs. He said it meant a lot to him that I covered his amazing track ‘Fell on Hard Times’ and put it on one of my albums.
A true artist – I can’t believe he’s gone. 
https://jambands.com/…/jay-blakesberg-shares-memories-of-…/…

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A message I’ll treasure from Neal who wrote these lovely words to me about my album ‘Clouds with Silver.’ It meant the world to me.
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Sweet memories of seeing Neal and his amazing band  performing in Europe. Good times.
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Such an honour to be photographed by Neal in London.
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Just some of Neal’s amazing releases.
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Cool feature in French magazine Crossroads
Live one-off performance I did of his wonderful and emotional song “Fell on Hard Times” at Norwich Arts Centre – such great and powerful lyrics – during a UK headline tour.

Under the Apple Tree Session for Whispering Bob TV

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So excited to share this – my Under The Apple Tree session for Whispering Bob TV. Performing original song “I Just Can’t Forget” with the brilliant Alan Cook on pedal steel. Huge thanks to Miles Myerscough-Harris and Bob Harris – always lovely seeing them.

The track is also being featured on this week’s #UTAT radio on Chris Country amongst some great artists and live performances including The Magic Numbers and CC Smugglers.

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Huge thanks also to Belles and Gals – huge supporters of female artists – for the kind words and making the track their Song of the Day.

Huge congratulations to my amazing student Breeze Redwine– winner of Best Original Artist at this year’s Youngstars The South East Entertainment Awards So well deserved! Also a brilliant acoustic performance by Breeze for Sonic Youths at Norwich Arts Centre So great that they give young artists a platform.

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Next show is Sunday 17 June – looking forward to headlining a Sunday Session at beautiful Burnham Deepdale. Details here:First festival of the year is Stradisphere on Friday July 6. A great line up and headlined by the brilliant Badly Drawn Boy:

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Performing at Ramblin’ Roots Revue 2018! Interview with Sarah Darling

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So excited to be chosen to play The Ramblin’ Roots Revue Festival and the EarBelly Acoustic Stage on Saturday 7th April! Many wonderful artists performing at this festival in High Wycombe which has the incredible The Magic Numbers headlining – going to be a lovely celebration of Americana

The Ramblin’ Roots Revue 2018 is a three-day celebration of Americana, Roots, Alt-Country and Folk music. It’s all indoors at an award-winning venue in South Bucks with a great selection of craft ales, fine whiskies and artisan food.

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It’s a stellar line-up of live music across three stages with weekend tickets at £32.50.

Tickets here: www.seetickets.com/go/RRR2018

With my support to country star Sarah Darling coming up, it was lovely to also interview her for iSing Magazine. Talking about her inspirations, new material and vocal care.

Ukulele Video and Brand New Photo Shoot!

Making the most of a sunny day! Cool new photo shoot and video. Playing my Baby Taylor and Luna Ukulele in the sunshine! Thanks to Claudia Taveira Photography and also the wonderful Taylor Guitars and Luna Guitars for sharing the video.

 

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New Single ‘Dreaming in Crowds’ Played on Bob Harris’s BBC Radio 2 Show!

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So thrilled to hear my single ‘Dreaming in Crowds’ on the Bob Harris Show on BBC Radio 2 last night. A perfect birthday treat! Listen again here, am played after The Yardbirds just after 1am! ‘Dreaming in Crowds’ is available via my Bandcamp

New Single ‘Dreaming in Crowds’ Out Now!

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Out now! The new single ‘Dreaming in Crowds’ available via Bandcamp plus new video coming too! Single produced by Jeff Hill, photography by Claudia Taveira Photography.

“The production quality is superlative..’Dreaming In Crowds’ is a gently flowing harmonic beauty with a kind of Carole King feel, without in any way sounding like the legendary singer-songwriter.” Maverick Magazine ****

“the crown jewel on this new EP. Dreaming In Crowds is a real singer/songwriter song. It has depth, both in lyrics and arrangement and tells a heartfelt story in which everyone will recognize something.” Inner Ear Media, The Netherlands

 

Excellent new review for ‘Reminders’ from Maverick Magazine

Brilliant new review of the ‘Reminders’ ep. Thanks to the excellent Maverick Magazine. A thrill to be compared to one of my songwriting heroes, Carole King!

‘I was taken aback at the maturity in both her vocals and songwriting…The production quality is superlative, the songs exceptionally well-written, especially the opening “Reminders” with the intuitive lyrics. “Dreaming In Crowds” is a gently flowing harmonic beauty with a kind of Carole King feel, without in any way sounding like the legendary singer-songwriter. Here’s a young lady who’s blossomed into a mighty fine singer-songwriter deserving of the widest possible recognition. I think it’s time that she took the plunge and recorded a full album with similar quality songs and production as this … it would be a world-beater.’

Norwich Sound and Vision Convention and Ukulele Video from Alphabet Bands

Great weekend playing a set at the busy PRS opening reception for Norwich Sound and Vision Convention. What an inspiring and brilliant festival with relevant panels and keynote interviews.

I met lots of great people during the weekend and also had fun singing my waltz “You Will Know” on ukulele at the lovely House Cafe. Trying not to get distracted by those yummy cakes! Big thanks to the excellent Alphabet Bands.

More stills at the Facebook page

 

 

New Video from Balcony TV ~ ‘Summer on the L’

Happy September everyone! Looking forward to playing the Rustic Stage at Weyfest tomorrow. Also very excited to share another new video, this time from the excellent Balcony TV on a glorious day in Brighton. Playing ‘Summer on the L’ on my gorgeous Baby Taylor. The song is all about taking the L train to and from Brooklyn and is from the new EP ‘Reminders’.

New Interview and New Video from Live @ Little Rabbit Barn

Here’s a brand new live video from the June UK tour! ‘Love You Anyway’ from the album ‘Lost Again’. There’s also an acoustic version on the ‘Acoustic Sessions’. Many thanks to Little Rabbit Barn for posting.

Also here’s a brand new interview! Many thanks to Unsigned Corner