Today, a new Neal Casal archival album No One Above You (The Early Years 1991–1998) is released, presenting 13 previously unavailable demos and studio recordings from the outset of the late songwriter and guitarist's career.
Casal was a consummate collaborator, a celebrated roots guitarist who could be found playing alongside Willie Nelson, Shooter Jennings, The Jayhawks, and Phil Lesh. More than a sideman, he was a revered bandmate, and an integral part of the Chris Robinson Brotherhood, GospelbeacH, Ryan Adams & The Cardinals, The Skiffle Players, and Circles Around The Sun.
His 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 songwriter. No One Above You (The Early Years 1991–1998) helps close that gap, providing a few last documents of Casal’s perennial prowess.
Primarily recorded between 1991 and 1995, in the years before Casal’s debut album Fade Away Diamond Time, the songs collected here embody his creative process leading up to that introduction. Casal archivists and producers Gary Waldman, Jim Scott, and Jon Graboff have compiled and remixed the tapes, adding subtle additions to these original takes, with performances by John Ginty, Dan Fadel, Angie McKenna, Jeff Hill, Graboff, and more.
The album includes unheard Casal compositions alongside covers of Tom T. Hall, The Incredible String Band, and Floyd “Red Crow” Westerman. Among the originals, the hallmarks of Casal’s songwriting remain evident, even in these early days. The release is also prefaced by a personal recollection from Waldman, Casal’s longtime manager and friend, recalling the events that led him to pursue a solo career and his evolution from these nascent studio days into a respected songwriter and guitarist.
Neal Casal - Running Wild
Its release is accompanied by a companion photo memoir, No One Above You (Christy Coleman + Neal Casal - A Love Story In Photographs), compiled by Casal's former wife Christy Coleman. It provide an additional 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 from the Neal Casal Music Foundation, the album—on limited edition 180-gram green vinyl, 180-gram black vinyl, CD and digital formats —and 304-page 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.
Neal Casal - Someone Else's Shoes
Grimey's New & Preloved Music in Nashville will present an album release celebration today at 4pm as part of Americanafest with performances by Tift Merritt, Seth Walker, Shannon McNally, The Wildmans, Jarrod Dickenson and Mojo Birds.
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
