| Casey Neill Bringing New York Back |
Casey Neill in New YorkNov. 6, 13, 20, 27, 2007Admission: Free The Living Room 154 Ludlow Between Stanton & Rivington St. 212-533-7235 livingroomny.com caseyneill.org  A somber Casey Neill  What does that ultimately mean? For some, just a headache and a development of a "New York attitude." But for musician Casey Neill, his plights in the city have been the source of inspiration for his songs. "Brooklyn Bridge," Neill's latest record is a product of various influences, from Celtic to pop-rock, to Americana, to folk and indie-rock. Neill created the album with previous collaborator Johnny Cunningham,a legendary Scottish fiddler player well-regarded in the Celtic and folk worlds. The combination of the two veteran musicians has created an album that effectively creates a portrait of a New York that is reminiscent of older times--a bohemian, seedy scene that is rampant with dances with prostitutes, whiskey soaked bars and illegitimate rat fights. Casey Neill has a wisdom that goes beyond his years that allows hiim to capture these scenes with captivating vivacity. This ability is shown on some songs like the title track "Brooklyn Bridge." He sings, "Tall ships all along the pier/ lying just like a track of tears, for the lost, glorious New Amerstdam /Flanked by silver scrapers/ of the new Jerusalem makers the old New York they didn't give a damn" A combination of Dylan-esque poetry and a tinge of Neill's own brusque personality rings through in these lyrics. Another level of depth is added to the album as Cunningham unexpectedly passed away while working with Neill. Each song has Cunningham's influence, but "King Neptune" is a song dedicated to Cunningham. The song is a ballad that encapsulates an experience with Cunningham at the Coney Island Mermaid parade and was added by Neill shortly after Cunningham's funeral. Always true to himself and able to reach audiences, Casey Neill will be performing this month at the Living Room down in the Lower East Side. Get a taste of Casey Neill while you still can and find some of the New York that's still real. For more information about the album, visit his official website at caseyneill.org, or drop some comments on his myspace page at myspace.com/caseyneill ©Michael Kang 2007 {mos_ri}
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