Today, a new Neal Casal archival album No One Above You (The Early Years 1991–1998) is released, presenting 13 previously unavailable demos & studio recordings from the outset of the late songwriter & guitarist’s career. Brother Neal was a consummate collaborator, a celebrated roots guitarist who could be found playing alongside Willie Nelson, Shooter Jennings, The Jayhawks, & Phil Lesh. More than a sideman, he was a revered bandmate, and an integral part of the Chris Robinson Brotherhood, GospelbeacH, Ryan Adams & The Cardinals, The Skiffle Players, & Circles Around The Sun. His passing in 2019 left a hole in the hearts of fans & friends alike, leaving many looking for a few more moments from the prolific songwriter. No One Above You (The Early Years 1991–1998) helps close that gap, providing a few last documents of his perennial prowess. Primarily recorded between 1991 & 1995, in the years before the debut album ‘Fade Away Diamond Time’, the songs collected here embody his creative process leading up to that introduction. Casal archivists & producers Gary Waldman, Jim Scott, & Jon Graboff have compiled and remixed the tapes, adding subtle additions to these original takes, with performances by John Ginty, Dan Fadel, Angie McKenna, Jeff Hill, Graboff, and more. The album includes unheard compositions alongside covers of Tom T. Hall, The Incredible String Band, & Floyd “Red Crow” Westerman. Among the originals, the hallmarks of Neal’s songwriting remain evident, even in these early days. The release is also prefaced by a personal recollection from Waldman, Casal’s longtime manager & friend, recalling the events that led him to pursue a solo career and his evolution from these nascent studio days into a respected songwriter and guitarist. Its release is accompanied by a companion photo memoir, No One Above You (Christy Coleman + Neal Casal – A Love Story In Photographs), compiled by Neal’s former wife Christy Coleman. It provide an additional vital document of this era. Coleman shares images of the couple’s courtship and companionship, culled from pictures captured by herself, Casal, and a few friends along the way. It’s an unvarnished vision of backstage solitude, after hours revelry, and the counterbalance of a home away from the crowds. Available from the Neal Casal Music Foundation, the album—on limited edition 180-gram green vinyl, 180-gram black vinyl, CD and digital formats —and 304-page book are accompanied by two limited edition tees designed by Nashville-based imogene + willie—one in vintage white, the other in faded black—each featuring an original SX-70 Polaroid from the book.
I had the chance to get some time with Gary Waldman just before the release of this wonderful collection of Neal (and Christie). We dive heart first into how the entire project came about, the songs, the photography & the many memories. It was an honor to get a look back in time with Gary, almost like living some of the moments with him. I had Neal on the proGram every time CRB or Circles Around The Sun would come to town – always a real conversation about the feels, the road and the times he captured both the scenery in images and the way that inspired his writing and playing. I miss those times. This new music and the accompanying book have been a nice way to reconnect and here a few whispers of new tales from the past.
