Jaime Wyatt’s 2020 LP Neon Cross finally brought her attention to the rest of the world that she sorely deserved. While other hip country slingers like Orville Peck and Margo Price grab the headlines, Wyatt hones a true modern Americana dipped in a country flair that has a career artist.
The late Neal Casal of course had many a story to tell, and he left us in August 2019 with a musical resume that runs from Ryan Adams, Blackfoot Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Hard Working Americans, Beachwood Sparks, and Circles Around The Sun. While we lost Casal right upon the release of his most lucid work with Circles Around The Sun, the talented guitarist/vocalist/songwriter has recorded a goldmine of 14 albums that are all shamefully under-heard. Better than never, the time has come to shine a light on some of Casal’s most captivating songs.
Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal’ is a tribute to the life and music of the gifted singer, songwriter, musician, and friend to many. Featuring 41 Casal songs on both 5 LP and 3 CD box sets, the collection brings together a galaxy of rock and roots music luminaries to celebrate the body of work he left behind, including Susan Tedeschi & Derek Trucks, J Mascis, Bob Weir, Steve Earle, Marcus King, Vetiver, Leslie Mendelson, Hiss Golden Messenger, Dori Freeman, Warren Haynes, Kenny Roby and many more. Spearheaded by Gary Waldman, Casal’s longtime manager, the list of artists on this effort stands as a monumental bow to Casal and just what a very sterling impact he had on his musical contemporaries.
So now we have Wyatt, taking on one of Casal’s “Need Shelter,” originally released on Casal’s 2012 album, ’Sweeten The Distance.’ Glide is premiering the lyric video for “Need Shelter” (below) created by animator Deren Ney, while the single is out tomorrow, Thursday, August 19 across all streaming platforms.
Wyatt delivers a soulful and crisp take on “Need Shelter,” that summons a contagious sing-along chorus and a feel-good rhythmic trot, with tasty organ accompaniment. With a true “don’t bore us, take us to the chorus” ethos, “Need Shelter,” flaunts Casal’s hearty songwriting gift.
“I chose Neal’s song ‘Need Shelter’ because I could relate. I think that he had a way of writing lyrics that were universally emotional and cathartic. It’s such a poignant way to say, ‘I don’t need to hide but I do need shelter,” says Wyatt about her song choice.
‘Highway Butterfly: The Songs Of Neal Casal’ will be released November 12 via record label, Royal Potato Family. All proceeds will benefit the Neal Casal Music Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit formed in 2020, which provides musical instruments and lessons to students in New Jersey and New York state schools where Casal was born and raised, while also donating proceeds to mental health organizations that support musicians, including MusiCares and Backline. Pre-order for the vinyl and CD editions of the box set is available now at: https://ncmf.news/highway-butterfly
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That would be Blackfoot, (comma) Chris Robinson’s Brotherhood
As long as we’re being petty with correcting punctuation, there should be no apostrophe in Chris Robinson Brotherhood.