Or been another casualty...
I didn't think of that immediately, but eventually it did cross my mind.
Even with what happened in Rwanda, I think of my time in Africa with great affection. It was deeply moving on so many levels. The time I spent in Kenya, Uganda, Madagascar...those are memories I'll always carry with me. I think all of us involved walked away feeling our mission was accomplished.
Did you take a lot of photos?
I have video! I'd like to turn all those recordings into a documentary of my travels at some point, which is likely one of the projects I'll tackle over the next year.
Speaking of the next year, most of your fans know you're taking a year off for health reasons, but not many know how you'll fill your days. What do you have planned for yourself?
[Laughing] I'm supposed to be resting, but that's not going to happen! I don't know how to do nothing. Still, I was anticipating having some time off after thirty years as a professional musician.
The first project is my Christmas album. It's not really "my" album as much as it is a family album. My son Kenny Jr. is on it, and my daughter. My daughter Syreeta blew me away with her takes on "Silent Night" and "Deck The Halls", which is pretty jazzy and just beautiful. I couldn't have done this without either of them. I think I'll Be Home For Christmas is going to be well-received just for the efforts of my kids. I'm really proud of this one.
Where can fans pick up a copy or two?
On my website. This is my baby and I'm going with a small pressing.
What else do you have planned?
I'd like to release a collection of DVDs of my father, my brothers, and my sister. I have a lot of footage of my family that I think most blues fans would like to see. It's another one of those personal projects that means the world to me. The people who helped shape my life and my music deserve to be remembered for the inspirations they were.
Part of my music heritage is moving forward, too. The Neal Family will be performing in my stead. Sort of like, Kenny Neal Presents, if you will. Ideally, my family will be on stage, entertaining folks, sharing our mutual love of music. And wherever they land, they'll be joined by some of our friends, like Taj (Mahal), Billy Branch, Phil Guy, whoever's available. The point of this venture is to keep the music alive and to offer something special to blues societies in particular. Most blues societies end up shortchanged anymore when it comes to festivals and such. Big groups are putting on more and more of the festivals and leaving the blues societies out of the loop. Any profits don't find their way to the organizations that make the blues festivals viable. So, my family will be there as an option for affordable entertainment — a lot of value for what you get, if you ask me. Say a blues society has an event and needs an act with a little draw, The Neal Family can, hopefully, be that draw and the blues society will reap the benefits instead of some big group. It's one of the things I'm really looking forward to coordinating from home.
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.