Blues player carved out his own
unique style
What old fans and new friends like most about the soul-sung music
of Raful Neal is its authenticity. Raful is, indeed, the real thing -- a
blues composer, singer and harmonica whiz who can wail and croon, sass and
sashay just as comfortably at a Sunday church supper as in a jumpin', smoke-filled
Chicago nightclub or an open-air festival for tens of thousands of enthusiastic
European fans. Raful's music comes straight from the heart, and that is
best heard, perhaps, on his latest album, "Old Friends." The CD is a tribute
to his musical family and friends, some of whom are featured on this powerhouse
array of tunes. Described by reviewers as warm, animated, stylish, precise
and economical, the blues music on "Old Friends" mirrors the artist himself,
a native of South Louisiana and a second generation blues player who listened
to the greats and carved out his own unique style. |
