For most blues fans, the name Kenny Neal is synonymous with down home funky swamp blues, the sort that oozes soul. Of course, they've nailed it, to an extent. Neal is the epitome of the bluesman in these modern times, as much a product of his blues roots as he is a pioneer in his own right.
Kenny got his start with the blues when he was barely walking. Listening to his father, Raful, and his father's friends, young Kenny learned from the best. Now, at 49, he's known mostly for his guitar chops, though his fans will also tell of his blues harp talents, and of his impressive vocals.
In September, Kenny announced he was taking a break from the rigors of touring to undergo treatment for an undisclosed illness. During our conversation, Kenny assured me he would be back in a year's time.
Kenny, can you tell me about your musical background—how you got your start, your education, and the vast array of instruments you play?
Well, blues is in the blood, you know. My father brought so much music into our home down in Baton Rouge, and it was accessible for the whole family. It's no wonder it's become the family business.
Music was accessible because my father and his friends would fill our home with it. I was only three when I started playing the harmonica—Slim Harpo gave me a harmonica one day to stop me from crying and it worked—and I really haven't stopped playing since! Slim Harpo, Little Walter, Buddy Guy, Lazy Lester...I got a chance to see and hear some of the greatest musicians ever and listen to their stories. All of those guys were my heroes. I got the best education in the world right in my own home!
Of course, I took an interest in other instruments over the years and I actually had formal training for the trumpet. I was pretty good. I sort of became one of the stars of my high school band on trumpet. Still, after three years or so, I gave it up in favor of the piano and the bass guitar. As good as formal lessons were, there was something special about learning from the masters you can't get anywhere else.
Okay, we have harmonica, trumpet, piano, and bass...when did you pick up guitar and the lap steel?
[Laughing} I've been playing guitar for about 28 years and lap steel for, well, I'm not exactly sure. There have always been musical instruments around and I've always been interested in them.
I played in my father's band for years and then got to play bass for Buddy Guy. I was eager to play, I was good on bass, and I had a sense of what was expected of me, so it worked out. Then Buddy told me to focus on what I really wanted to do, which was play guitar. And that's what I did.
Do you still play trumpet and piano?
Piano, yes, definitely. Trumpet? Maybe. [Laughing] I've been pretty busy with a lot of other things since high school, so it would probably take some effort.
You have been busy since high school! Broadway? Africa? And, then there are all your experiences just playing clubs and festivals. Where do you want to start?
Article comments
1 - Pico
Being from Kenny's neck of the woods, I enjoyed reading this interview, he seems to be so down to earth.
I also realized a big goof on my Studebaker John review from a couple of week ago, implying that like John, Kenny could play guitar, sing, compose and play harmonica. But I didn't realize he could also play paino, trumpet and bass, too! Very informative piece.
-P
2 - Connie Phillips
Congratulations! This article was an Editor's Pick this week.