Neal Casal was a revered singer/songwriter whose ten solo albums are widely regarded as classics in the roots and Americana music canon. He was also a celebrated guitarist and consummate collaborator who could be found playing alongside artists ranging from Willie Nelson to Shooter Jennings, The Jayhawks to Phil Lesh. More than a sideman, he was a bandmate and an integral part of the Chris Robinson Brotherhood, GospelbeacH, Ryan Adams & The Cardinals, Beachwood Sparks, Hard Working Americans, The Skiffle Players and Circles Around The Sun. His tragic passing in 2019 left a hole in the hearts of fans and friends alike, leaving many looking for a few more moments from the prolific artist. A new collection of mostly unreleased early studio recordings and demos, No One Above You (The Early Years 1991-1998), issued in tandem with a book of rare and unseen photographs, No One Above You (Christy Coleman + Neal Casal - A Love Story In Photographs), compiled by his former wife Christy Coleman, provide just that, offering an intimate look at Casal’s formative years, creatively and personally. Both album and book will be available September 12, 2025. The first single and opening track, “Silver Dollar” is out today.
Primarily recorded between 1991 and 1995, in the years before Neal’s album debut Fade Away Diamond Time, the songs collected here trace the lines of his fledgling career, furrowed with the songwriter's mix of humility and hope. No One Above You (The Early Years 1991-1998)—to be issued via the Neal Casal Music Foundation and RPF Records—includes a bounty of unheard Casal compositions alongside covers of Tom T. Hall, The Incredible String Band, and Floyd “Red Crow” Westerman. Longtime manager Gary Waldman, Cardinals' bandmate Jon Graboff and Grammy Award-winning engineer Jim Scott compiled and remixed the recordings, adding a handful of subtle additions to Neal’s original takes, with performances by John Ginty, Dan Fadel, Angie McKenna, Jeff Hill, Graboff and more. The collection runs through Casal's reverent explorations of Americana, streaked with melancholy, heartache, humanity, and humor. Painting a multi-dimensional picture of Neal’s early days, the liner notes offer a personal recollection from Waldman, explaining the events that lead Casal to pursue a solo career, and detailing his evolution from these nascent studio days into a revered songwriter and in-demand guitarist.
Likewise, the companion photo memoir, No One Above You (Christy Coleman + Neal Casal - A Love Story In Photographs) provides a 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 now to pre-order from the Neal Casal Music Foundation, the album—on limited edition 180-gram green vinyl, 180-gram black vinyl, CD and digital formats —and 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.
An aural and visual treasure, No One Above You acts as a fitting elegy for fans, but also a welcome introduction and indoctrination for anyone who needs a reminder that love is real.
No One Above You (The Early Years 1991-1998)
Track Listing
1. Silver Dollar
2. Quiet Desperation
3. Someone Else’s Shoes
4. The Search For Silver Lake
5. Indian Summer
6. Running Wild
7. After All This Time
8. Cora Jones
9. To The Water
10. Valley Of The Fallen
11. Greatest Friend
12. Second Handed Flowers
13. Mellow Down Easy
