Eliza Neals and her band returned to the Bull Run for their CD release party for Eliza's new album "Thunder in the House." Our friends Mark and Jackie decided to check out Eliza for the first time tonight. Although we couldn't be seated at the same table, we still were still able to catch up, and it was great to see them.
It was a shame that the show didn't sell better, especially on a Friday night, but this is graduation season, not to mention that gas prices are through the roof, which could prevent people from traveling a distance to Shirley for a show.
Before the show started, we went over to the merch table to chat with HJ. He told us that this is their first gig in a few months since Eliza's mom has had some health challenges and they have been spending time with her in Detroit. We were reminsicing about the fact that it's been 10 years since we first met them at JCAST in Jersey City. This is our 8th time seeing Eliza in concert.
We were seated right up front (Eliza's keyboard was literally a foot in front of me). She started out with "Speedy Beady", her little red rooster song from the new album. She and the band have great chemistry and were obviously having a lot of fun. They played quite a few selections from the new album, including "One Monkey Don't Stop No Show." She said that was a phrase her mentor Barrett Strong used all the time, and we remember fondly that our friend Frank Brown also used this expression. We always get a kick out of the song "Banned in Jackson", where she recounts a story of getting banned from a blues festival in Jackson, Michigan because she "wore a short skirt onstage." The line that really gets me is "oh yeah I've got big thighs. So?" I can relate, LOL!
It was a really fun show. Afterwards we got to catch up with Eliza. She said that her mom is improving, and asked about our second trip to Egypt, saying that she wants to go someday. We talked about how much we like the new album, and a bit about her family history as recounted in songs such as the title track "thunder in the House", and the title track of her previous album "Black Crow Moan."
We got a chance to say a quick hello to local guitarist Frank E.B. (Frankie Maneiro), who has played with Eliza since 2019. He is embarking on a solo career and we can't wait to hear what comes next for him!
Set list:
Speedy Beady
Ain't My Dog No More
I'd Rather Go Blind
Banned in Jackson
Candy Store
Heal This Land
Blues Bombshell
Hey Joe
One Monkey (Don't Stop No Show)
All Alone
Love Will
Thunder in the House
Miss You
Something's Better than Nothing
Can't Find My Way Home
Band:
Eliza Neals - Vocals and keys
Frankie Maneiro - Guitar
Peter O'Brien - Drums
Rick Nossa - Guitar
Lenny Bradford - Bass
Bruce Bears - B3
Frankie Maneiro, Bruce Bears, Peter O'Brien, Eliza Neals, Rick Nossa, Lenny Bradford
