Neal Francis Changes

Release date:
September 20, 2019
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I just wanted to be honest about everything, from my musical influences to my story," muses Neal Francis. After years of dishonest living-consumed by drugs, alcohol, and addiction-such sincerity is jarring from the 30-year-old Chicago-based musician. Liberated from a self-destructive past and born anew in sobriety, Francis has captured an inspired collection of songs steeped in New Orleans rhythms, Chicago blues, and early 70s rock n' roll. There is a deep connection between Francis's childhood-his obsession with boogie woogie piano, his father's gift of a dusty Dr. John LP-and the songs he's created. The result is an astonishing collection of material without parallel in the contemporary funk and soul scene. The influences are unmistakable: the vocal stylings of Allen Toussaint and Leon Russell; the second line rhythms of The Meters and Dr. John; the barroom rock 'n' roll of The Rolling Stones; the gospel soul of Billy Preston; the roots music of The Band. Francis pays tribute to the masters but has his own story to tell: "It's the life I've lived so far.

Tracklist:
  • 1. This Time
  • 2. She's A Winner
  • 3. How Have I Lived
  • 4. These Are The Days
  • 5. Changes, Pts. 1 & 2
  • 6. Lauren
  • 7. Can't Live Without Your Love
  • 8. Put It In His Hands

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