Highway Butterfly: The Stories of Neal Casal

Rachel Dean became acquainted with Neal Casal when he was playing with Ryan Adams and the Cardinals. They became close friends who shared many adventures, and Neal worked closely with Rachel on her debut solo album Indian Summer, co-producing, playing, and even taking the photos for the gatefold. Most recently, Neal contributed his signature guitarwork to Rachel's self-titled release with her band Starlight Cleaning Co. Rachel shares stories from these sessions and their friendship in this interview. Learn more about Rachel's music: http://www.starlightcleaningco.com/about.htmlSong clips in this episode: “So Far Astray” - Neal Casal, Roots & Wings“The Cold & The Darkness” - Tim Heidecker, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal“So Far Astray” - Rachel Dean, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal“The Race” - Starlight Cleaning Co. Self TitledEpisode artwork photography by Neal CasalDistributed by Osiris Media See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jesse Aycock is a musician from Tulsa, Oklahoma who was a long-time fan of Neal Casal before they connected through a mutual friend. After meeting and becoming friends, Neal worked on Jesse's solo album Flowers and Wounds before recruiting him to join Hard Working Americans. In this interview, Jesse describes the fortuitous circumstances of their introduction, stories from recording his version of "The Losing End Again" for Highway Butterfly, and the importance of having honest conversations about mental health.Song clips in this episode: “The Losing End Again” - Jesse Aycock, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal“The Losing End Again” - Neal Casal, Roots and WingsEpisode artwork photography by Neal Casal See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Kenny Roby first met Neal back in 1997, when Kenny's Raleigh, NC based band, 6 String Drag, signed to Steve Earle's E-Squared record label and made their classic album High Hat. Neal and Kenny became great pals and Neal invited Kenny along to open a month of shows on his 1998 tour of the UK and France. They sang together every night and when the tour ended they came back to the states and recorded their duo album Kenny Roby & Neal Casal: Black River Sides. They stayed friends until Neal's passing in 2019 and Kenny recorded a fantastic version of Neal's song “Too Much To Ask” for the Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal tribute album. Learn more about Kenny: https://kennyroby.net/ Song clips in this episode:6 String Drag Bottle of BluesAin't Got The TimeWhen I Loved You Silver MoonToo Much To AskNew Day Episode artwork photography by Neal Casal See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Lauren Barth met Neal Casal at a show in her hometown of Santa Barbara, and the two became fast friends, and soon, musical partners. In this episode, Lauren shares the wisdom Neal imparted in their time playing together, how he laid the groundwork for her current musical and professional path, and why she chose to pay tribute to her friend with her stunning rendition of "Lost Satellite" from Neal's 2006 album No Wish to Reminisce. Visit Lauren's website for info on past and upcoming releases: https://laurenbarthmusic.com/Song clips in this episode: “Sleepless Nights” - Neal Casal and Lauren Barth, The Echo (Los Angeles, CA) “Lost Satellite” - Lauren Barth, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal “Lost Satellite” - Neal Casal, No Wish To Reminisce“Ocean Eyes” - Farmer Dave & The Wizards of the WestEpisode artwork photography by Neal Casal See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Lauren Barth met Neal Casal at a show in her hometown of Santa Barbara, and the two became fast friends, and soon, musical partners. In this episode, Lauren shares the wisdom Neal imparted in their time playing together, how he laid the groundwork for her current musical and professional path, and why she chose to pay tribute to her friend with her stunning rendition of "Lost Satellite" from Neal's 2006 album No Wish to Reminisce. Visit Lauren's website for info on past and upcoming releases: https://laurenbarthmusic.com/Song clips in this episode: “Sleepless Nights” - Neal Casal and Lauren Barth, The Echo (Los Angeles, CA) “Lost Satellite” - Lauren Barth, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal “Lost Satellite” - Neal Casal, No Wish To Reminisce“Ocean Eyes” - Farmer Dave & The Wizards of the WestEpisode artwork photography by Neal Casal See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

For their first time together since the beginning of the Highway Butterfly tribute album project in February 2020, co-producers Jim Scott and Dave Schools along with executive producer Gary Waldman gathered at PLYRZ Studio in Valencia, California where Neal loved recording and where nearly all songs on Highway Butterfly were mixed or recorded prior to lockdowns.Jim, Dave and Gary have a roundtable discussion sharing song by song stories about the recording process, revisiting the unique ways each of the tribute songs came to be included in the 41-song collection, released on November 12th, 2021. Learn more about ‘Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal': https://nealcasalmusicfoundation.org/highway-butterfly See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Neal joined Ryan Adams & The Cardinals in 2005 and they built an unrivaled musical synergy together as they toured globally and recorded several studio releases. Jon Graboff and Brad Pemberton of The Cardinals chat with guest host Gary Waldman as they revisit memories of life on the road and in the studio with Neal, plus recording their respective parts for the Highway Butterfly tribute album. “Kiss Before I Go” - Ryan Adams & The Cardinals, Jacksonville City Nights“Stella Blue” - Willie Nelson, Songbird“Two” - Ryan Adams, Easy Tiger“Everybody Knows” - Ryan Adams & The Cardinals, David Letterman performance“Need Shelter” - Jaime Wyatt, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal“Highway Butterfly” - Steve Earle & The Dukes, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal CasalEpisode artwork photography by Neal Casal See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Eric D. Johnson, AKA Fruit bats, met Neal Casal through their mutual friend Thom Monahan, and Neal subsequently added his signature touch to several songs on four of Eric's records. Thom produced many of Eric's records and also produced Neal's 2012 album Sweeten the Distance. That album features the song "Feathers for Bakersfield," which Eric covered for Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal. In this episode, Eric discusses why he chose this tune, how Bob Weir almost snatched it up first, and memories of what it was like to record with Neal. Learn more about Fruit Bats at http://www.fruitbatsmusic.com/.“Feathers for Bakersfield” - Fruit Bats, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal “Feathers for Bakersfield - Neal Casal, Sweeten the Distance “Shivering Fawn” - Fruit Bats, Tripper “The Banishment Song” - Fruit Bats, Tripper “My Sweet Midwest” - Fruit Bats, Absolute Loser “Mandy from Mohawk” - Fruit Bats, Gold Past Life See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Neal met John Ginty in 1991 when he was looking for a keyboard player to record on his early solo demos. John became his main musical sidekick and was a huge part of Neal's sound, becoming the only other musician to play on all of Neal's solo albums. John has also played with an incredible lineup of artists, including Dixie Chicks, Jewel, Citizen Cope, Robert Randolph & The Family Band and is currently a member of the Allman Betts Band. Find out more about John at www.johngintymusic.comSong clips in this episode: “Silver Dollar” - Neal Casal, 1991 demo “Little Wing” - Neal Casal Band at Arlington Cafe “Angels on Hold” - Neal Casal, Rain, Wind & Speed “Midway” - Neal Casal, Field Recordings “Fell on Hard Times” - Angie McKenna, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal CasalEpisode artwork photography of Neal Casal and John Ginty, 1995 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today's episode features guest host and one of Neal's great pals, Jon Graboff. Jon chats with Shooter Jennings about his work as a producer and the many times he brought in Neal to play on records that he was producing. Shooter recently won Grammy awards for his work with Brandi Carlile and Tanya Tucker and he tells us about his version of one of Neal's most loved songs, Maybe California, performed on Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal. Learn more about Shooter at: shooterjennings.com/Song clips in this episode: “Broken Horses” - Brandi Carlile, ‘In These Silent Days'“The Neverending Story” - Shooter Jennings, Brandi Carlile, ‘Countach (For Giorgio)'“Maybe California” - Neal Casal, ‘Fade Away Diamond Time'“Maybe California” - Shooter Jennings, ‘Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal'Episode artwork photography by Neal Casal See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Neal first saw Warren Haynes play with the Allman Brothers Band in 1989 and was blown away by his guitar playing. A few years later, Neal and Warren met and by 1995, Neal was opening for Gov't Mule in support of his debut album, Fade Away Diamond Time. In this podcast episode, Highway Butterfly co-producer Dave Schools hosts a conversation with Warren about what it was like to play with Neal, how it felt to record “Free To Go” for Highway Butterfly, and more. The new Gov't Mule album Heavy Load Blues is out on November 12th, learn more at www.warrenhaynes.net/.Song clips in this episode: “Heavy Load” - Gov't Mule, Heavy Load Blues“Free To Go” - Warren Haynes, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal“Free To Go” - Neal Casal, Fade Away Diamond Time“Straight To Hell” - Hard Working Americans, Hard Working AmericansEpisode artwork photography by Neal Casal See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Leslie Mendelson bonded with Neal after she co-wrote "A Human Touch" with Jackson Browne. Though their friendship was short, Leslie's piano-playing and singing prowess elevates the Highway Butterfly tribute album and in this episode, you'll hear her version of Neal's "Feel No Pain," from his debut album, Fade Away Diamond Time. Learn more about Leslie at www.lesliemendelson.com/Song clips in this episode:"Feel No Pain" - Neal Casal, Fade Away Diamond Time"Feel No Pain" - Leslie Mendelson, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal"A Human Touch" - Jackson Browne, Leslie Mendelson, Downhill from EverywhereEpisode photography by Fred Kuhlman See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This episode contains discussions of suicide. If you or a loved one are in need of mental healthcare, call 1-800-273-8255 or contact an organization such as Backline, MusiCares or the National Alliance on Mental Health as listed below.Adam MacDougall and Neal Casal were bandmates in the Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Circles Around the Sun (CATS), and played together in many other iterations, like jam sessions at Terrapin Crossroads and at Bob Weir's TRI studios. Of course, they were also extremely close friends. In this episode, Adam reflects on their life on the road together, how CATS came about, and more memories of his dearly missed friend. He also talks about the changes he's made in his own life since Neal's tragic passing to care for his own mental well-being. See Adam perform with his band Circles Around The Sun on tour this November, dates can be found at www.circlesaroundthesun.com.Song clips in this episode:“Vibration & Light Suite” - Chris Robinson Brotherhood, The Magic Door“Gilbert's Groove” - Circles Around The Sun, Interludes For The Dead “Sweeten the Distance” - Neal Casal, Sweeten the Distance “All The Luck In The World” - Billy Strings & Circles Around The Sun, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal “Bird With No Name” - Jimmy Herring & Circles Around The Sun, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal “The Losing End” - Jesse Aycock, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal “Ship of Fools” - Neal Casal (2008), Circles Around The Sun (2020) ResourcesMusic Industry Health and Wellness ServicesMUSICARES: musicares.org/get-helpBACKLINE: backline.care/get-helpNUÇI'S SPACE: nuci.org/get-helpSuicide Prevention and Crisis ResourcesSUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE: 1-800-273-8255, suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chatCRISIS TEXT LINEUSA + Canada: text 741741UK: text 85258Ireland: text 50808NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL HEALTH: nami.org See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Farmer Dave Scher is a musician, sound designer, and healer who worked on many projects with Neal over the years, from Beachwood Sparks and the Skiffle Players, to Death Valley, Emerald Triangle and many more. Dave also contributed to Neal's albums Roots and Wings and Return in Kind. In this episode, the Wizard of the West describes his musical friendship with Neal over the years, their bond through surfing, and the gifts Neal continues to deliver in mysterious forms. Farmer Dave invites any and all to contact him whether they need a helping hand or have ideas on how to heal humanity. Reach him through his website at www.farmerdavescher.com.“The Portland Water” - Neal Casal, Return In Kind “You Don't See Me Crying” - Beachwood Sparks & GospelbeacH, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal “Lost Satellite” - Lauren Barth, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal “So Far Astray” - Rachel Dean, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal “You'll Miss It When It's Gone” - Skiffle Players, Skiff “Dearest” - Skiffle Players, Piffle Sayers EP “You'll Miss It When It's Gone” - Cass McCombs, Ross James, Joe Russo, Farmer Dave Scher, Dave Schools, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal Episode artwork photography by Neal Casal See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Gary Waldman was Neal Casal's close friend, manager, and confidante throughout the entirety of Neal's career. Today, he is the founder and executive director of the Neal Casal Music Foundation, the executive producer of Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal, and wearer of many other hats with his companies Morebarn Music and TourProLogic covering artist, producer and musician management as well as tour production. In this episode, Gary remembers the early days of Neal's solo career and walks us through his musical timeline, sharing memories of each milestone along the way. From Fade Away Diamond Time to Circles Around the Sun and everything in between, Gary has priceless insights into the making of all the musical magic that makes up Neal's legacy.Song clips in this episode:“All The Luck In The World” - Billy Strings & Circles Around The Sun, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal“Free To Go” - Warren Haynes, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal“Feel No Pain” - Leslie Mendelson, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal“Destiny” - Exire, Steal The Show (1987 self-released cassette)“Highway Song” - Blackfoot, Strikes“Sunnyside of The Street” - Neal Casal, home demo recording from 1989“ Indian Summer” - Neal Casal, 1991 demo recording“Maybe California” - Neal Casal, Fade Away Diamond Time“Feathers For Bakersfield” - Fruit Bats, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal“Dark End Of The Street (instrumental)” - Neal Casal, The Sun Rises Here (hidden song inside track 11)Episode artwork photography by Neal CasalDistributed by Osiris Media See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Musician Aaron Lee Tasjan first met Neal in New York City when Neal attended an open jam that Aaron hosted, and gained a deep admiration for his musicianship and versatility immediately. Over the years, Aaron connected with Neal over their mutual love of Johnny Thunders while Aaron toured alongside Hard Working Americans. Aaron recorded “Traveling After Dark” from Neal Casal's 2006 album No Wish to Reminisce. His is the first track on the album and it was just released as a single along with a video shot by McKenna Kane featuring footage of the recording sessions at PLYRZ Studio. In this episode, Aaron shares memories of talking music with Neal, touring with Hard Working Americans, and the importance of mental health, particularly for musicians. Learn more about Aaron's latest album Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan! at https://www.aaronleetasjan.com/.Song clips in this episode: “Traveling After Dark” - Aaron Lee Tasjan, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal“Traveling After Dark” - Neal Casal, No Wish To ReminisceEpisode artwork photography by Neal CasalDistributed by Osiris Media See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Neal Casal was a huge fan of Beachwood Sparks before he joined the band in 2001 to go on tour opening for the Black Crowes. Founding member of the Beachwood Sparks Brent Rademaker and Neal continued to play together for the next two decades and became very close friends, starting the band GospelbeacH together and discussing a future collaboration on another Neal solo album to be released on Brent's label, Curation Records. For the tribute album Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal, members of both Beachwood Sparks and GospelbeacH recorded a beautiful version of "You Don't See Me Crying" from Neal's 2006 album No WIsh To Reminisce. To hear more Brent and Neal collaborations, check out GospelbeacH's version of Neal's song "Freeway to the Canyon," the albums Pacific Surf Line and Let It Burn by GospelbeacH, and The Tarnished Gold by Beachwood Sparks. Learn more about Curation Records at www.curationrecords.comSong clips in this episode: “Canyon Ride” - Beachwood Sparks, Beachwood Sparks“Old Manatee” - Neal Casal, live performance“Tarnished Gold” - Beachwood Sparks, The Tarnished Gold“Fighter” - GospelbeacH, Let It Burn“You Don't See Me Crying” - Beachwood Sparks & GospelbeacH, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal“You Don't See Me Crying” - Neal Casal, No Wish To Reminisce“The Cold & The Darkness” - Tim Heidecker, “You Don't See Me Crying” Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal CasalEpisode artwork photography by Neal CasalDistributed by Osiris Media See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Musician Jaime Wyatt became a fan of Neal Casal back when he was playing with the Cardinals. She suggested writing together when she met him in Ventura, California, but felt too shy to follow up to his affirmative response. Cut to years later when producer Shooter Jennings asked her how she'd feel about having Neal Casal play guitar on her next album. Jaime enthusiastically said yes and today you can hear Neal's awesome guitar work on her 2020 album, Neon Cross. In this episode, Jaime talks about working with Neal in the studio, why she chose to record "Need Shelter" from the 2009 album Sweeten the Distance for the Highway Butterfly tribute album, and shares some road survival tips for industry folks. Neon Cross, produced by Shooter Jennings (also a contributor to Highway Butterfly) is out now. Learn more at https://www.jaimewyatt.com/.Song clips in this episode: “Need Shelter” - Jaime Wyatt, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal“Need Shelter” - Neal Casal, Sweeten The DistanceEpisode artwork photography by Neal CasalDistributed by Osiris Media See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Grammy Award-winning recording engineer/producer Jim Scott helmed the dials and hosted the musicians who recorded Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal at his studio, and co-produced the record alongside Dave Schools. Jim worked closely with Neal since the early 90s, producing his debut album Fade Away Diamond Time and working with him until the end, when Neal recorded with Circles Around the Sun just days before he passed. In this episode, Jim shares those memories from the very beginning of Neal's career, discusses the magic made at PLYRZ during the Highway Butterfly sessions, and why Neal became his go-to guy to call into the studio. Learn more about Jim at https://www.plyrzstudios.com/.Song clips in this episode: “Sunny Side of the Street” - Neal Casal 1990 demo“Feel No Pain” - Leslie Mendelson, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal“Be Strong Now” - James Iha, Let It Come Down“Money's No Option” - Circles Around The Sun, Self-titled“Day In The Sun” - Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal CasalEpisode artwork photography by Neal CasalDistributed by Osiris Media See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dave Schools met Neal Casal the day they were set to go into Bob Weir's TRI Studio to record what would become the debut Hard Working Americans record. Bonding over Col. Bruce Hampton after a session, it didn't take too long for the two music lovers to become fast friends. Neal traded Dave his 2012 album Sweeten the Distance for a Hampton Grease Band album and Dave was blown away by Neal's capabilities as a singer and songwriter. Dave co-produced Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal, and is an enthusiastic champion of the Neal Casal Music Foundation's mission. In this episode, Dave discusses the enormity and subsequent fulfillment of completing the 5-LP box set, touches on a few of the album's highlights, and discusses how providing mental health care and instruments and music lessons to children can be both life-changing and life-saving.Song clips in this episode: “Time Down The Wind” - Hiss Golden Messenger, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal“Death Of A Dream” - J Mascis, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal“Bird With No Name” - Jimmy Herring, Circles Around The Sun, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal“Too Much To Ask” - Kenny Roby, Amy Helm, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal CasalEpisode artwork photography by Neal CasalDistributed by Osiris Media See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Billy Strings first saw Neal Casal perform with Hard Working Americans, then soon after heard Circles Around the Sun (CATS) and became inspired by Neal's tastefully restrained playing style. He had an opportunity to jam with Neal at a festival and discussed recording with CATS, which unfortunately would never transpire. But when Billy came to PLYRZ Studio to record "All The Luck in The World," from Neal's 1996 album Rain, Wind and Speed, as the first single from Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal, Circles Around the Sun was the backing band and something about it felt right. In this episode, Billy and Dave Schools discuss transmuting one's pain into something beautiful on stage, Richard Mink's airbrush artwork, and the importance of mental health care, particularly for performers who spend much of their lives on the road. Billy's new record, produced by Jonathan Wilson (also a contributor to Highway Butterfly) is out on September 21st via Rounder Records. Find out more at https://www.billystrings.com/.Song clips in this episode: “Roman Candles” - Hard Working Americans, Rest In Chaos“Hallucinate A Solution” - Circles Around The Sun, Interludes For The Dead“All The Luck In The World” - Billy Strings & Circles Around The Sun, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal CasalEpisode artwork photography by Neal CasalDistributed by Osiris Media See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

‘Highway Butterfly: The Stories Of Neal Casal,' is a companion podcast available in the lead-up to the 41-song tribute ‘Highway Butterfly: The Songs Of Neal Casal,' due Nov. 12.The first four podcast episodes come out Friday, Sep. 10 — World Suicide Prevention Day — and will include interviews with contributing artists Billy Strings and Jaime Wyatt and co-producers Dave Schools and Jim Scott. Each week following, additional contributors to the album will share their stories about Neal, memories of making the tribute album and what the NCMF means to them. The conversations so far have brought up important topics such as mental wellness for musicians and destigmatizing our needs around mental healthcare (not to mention the joys of having Jim Scott playing horsecollar on the record, v. important!). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.