Photo Interview- Eric Neal

Combine a local artist, a quick photo shoot, and a simple interview and you have the concept behind a ZLew.net photo interview. Today I bring you the fourth installment in this series, and would like to introduce you to a very talented musician who is the master of a plethora of instruments and has played for and/or recorded with numerous local artists and bands (The Slack, Cas Haley & Woodbelly, Fishing For Comets, Kristy Kruger,Salim Nourallah & The Constellations, to name just a few). He also plays with his fiance, and subject of my last photo interview, Camille Cortinas. Ladies and Gents, I present Mr. Eric Neal.

Z- Name, rank, and serial number?
Eric- Eric Neal, The Scorsese of the DOMA’s, 2716057

Z- How long have you considered yourself a musician?
Eric- Since birth? The only reason I say that is that since I was a little kid that was the one thing that was so exciting to me. My parents say that before I could walk I learned to put the record on the turntable and play for hours. By 14 years old I was well on my way to making this my career.

Z- You have played with so many different people/group/types of music, what is your favorite style of music to play?
Eric- It’s really too hard to commit to a favorite. I love the variety.

Z-When I think of Eric Neal, I think of the guy who seemingly can play any instrument ever made. How many instruments can you play?
Eric- Let’s see here… Guitar, bass, mandolin, violin, pedal steel, banjo, piano, accordion, drums, double bass. Maybe a few others. I am sure that I am missing something.

Z-What is your favorite?
Eric- It would have to be a tie between guitar and bass.

Z-If you could only keep one of your instruments, which would it be?
Eric- There are a few that would be very sentimental just because I’ve had them so long. But if I had to choose one, it would be my Ibanez JEM 777. It is absolutely ridiculous, neon pink with flowers and a vine growing up the neck. It is just totally absurd, but I got it when I was 15 and really excited and learning about guitar.

Z- Many people are familiar with Booker T. Washington School for the Visual and Performing Arts because of folks like Erykah Badu, Norah Jones, Zac Baird (of Korn) that have made it into pop culture. There are multitudes of other Booker T alums, many still in or around Dallas who still perform. Having gone there yourself, can you name any alum who you follow or still follow?
Eric- A few that come quickly to mind are Kristy Kruger, Linda Garner, Kris Youmans, and Chris Carmichael.

Z- What kind of impact did BTW have on your music?
It had a big influence on me musically. I got into Jazz there. It was the place where I started playing bass at taking it seriously. I learned more of the ins and outs of what I was doing. Before that I didn’t really like the bass, and now it is one of my favorite instruments to play.

Z- If you could only listen to one album, what would it be?
Eric-Van Halen- 1984

As always, get out and support the local live music scene! Great music is all around you, and is not limited to what you can find on the radio or TV. You can find when and where Eric is playing on his calendar, and I assure you that your ears will thank you. I am happy to report that the next installment of the Photo Interviews has already been photographed and interviewed. I hope to have that posted for you guys soon, and I may even have a few new twists in the format (video?).