Kenny Neal -  www.kennyneal.net
W.C. Handy Award-winner Kenny Neal’s (Best Album 2005) zest for the blues and other indigenous music forms began when the eloquent singer / multi - instrumentalist and dramatic actor was a three-year-old toddler. While growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in the late 60’s, precocious Kenny received his first musical instrument, a harp, as a gift from family friend and legendary musician and composer Slim Harpo. Not only is Kenny a devout disciple and aficionado of Harpo, but he’s also a fan of his own father, Raful Neal, an accomplished harpist who sported a successful career of his own and proved to be an archetype for his child prodigy. Thus, it is only fitting that Kenny’s latest project would be titled Kenny Neal: A Tribute To Slim Harpo, on True Life Entertainment.

On this potent super-track you will be blown away by Kenny’s crisp vocals, fluid harmonies, and eclectic arrangements. Kenny Neal: A Tribute To Slim Harpo is not just another cover CD, but a magnificently orchestrated musical work of art. Case in point, the fifth honey-sweetened track on this tasty musical smorgasbord, “King Bee,” is as flavorful, salacious, and swamp-bluesy as the original recording by the King Bee himself! Kenny leaves no stones unturned as he passionately dishes up each frolicking entree of this eleven track, delectable musical banquet. Freshly mastered tunes such as the mega-hit “Scratch My Back” are rhythmically configured, with a pinch of soul, in such a way as to suggest a first time ever studio recording. “What A Dream,” the second chart-stopping song on this much-anticipated tribute, possesses such a potent, infectious groove that it pulls you in and leaves you breathless! Every luscious jam on this satisfying disk is state of the art in its arrangement and timeless in its message.

Kenny’s next career move called for him to leave the swamplands of the Delta for the fresh waters of Toronto. During the Canadian stint, he honed his performance craft while forming the sensational Neal Brothers Band and the Downchild Blues Band. Although the blues is Kenny’s primary musical thrust, his bands performed classic R&B as well as traditional rock music. With this acquired versatility, this musical phenomenon was now positioned to embark upon an excursion that would ultimately launch one of the finest blues recording careers of the past decade.

In 1987 King Snake Records released Kenny’s first solo album titled Bio on the Bayou, and this work was a creative revelation for the fledgling recording artist. It created exposure and provided the foundation for a five record deal with a premier blues label in 1988, Alligator Records. Even at that time record deals of that length were rare and revealed deep respect and a desire for a lasting business relationship. The result of this marriage between artist and label was a successful series of releases that separated Kenny Neal from the general cacophony of productions and distinguished him as one of the premier blues artists of the day.

Multi-faceted, Kenny Neal has shared the stage or worked with some of the greatest forces in modern concert performance: B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Aaron Neville, to name a few. The result has been a glowing respect for Kenny’s musicianship from these and countless other stars and super-stars.

Some of Kenny’s additional releases are: Blues Fallin’ Down Like Rain for Telarc (1998), Homesick For The Road with Tab Benoit and Debbie Davies (1999), What You Got for Telarc (2000), One Step Closer (2001), and Kenny Neal: A Tribute To Slim Harpo for True Life Entertainment (2005). These projects underscore Kenny’s versatile style, delivery, and direction. His music targets everyone, from the general blues-loving public to the popular, rock, country, and R&B communities. Why, even hip-hop is feeling the influence of blues powerhouses like the incomparable Kenny Neal.

From a gifted musical family, Kenny Neal has carved a niche that guarantees his place among blues royalty. His live show is a visual spectacle and a musical treasure for music-lovers of all ages, everywhere. The great masters of the blues have passed on a heritage whose flame will never be extinguished. And with the new Kenny Neal: A Tribute To Slim Harpo to be released in August of 2005, get ready to experience the music, the legend, and the blues like you’ve never experienced them before!