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After finding a mentor in drummer and composer Yonrico Scott (Derek Trucks Band, Royal Southern Brotherhood), Tyler Neal spent years performing as the lead guitarist for Col. Bruce Hampton & The Madrid Express. Since Bruce’s unexpected death in 2017 and Yonrico’s in 2019, Tyler has been leading his own band, supported through the mentorship of Tyler “Falcon” Greenwell of Tedeschi Trucks Band and production from Papa J A.K.A. Joey Sommerville (Phish, Rhonda Smith).
Tyler's recently released debut solo effort, the gospel-tinted, rousing blues-rock anthem “Let The Spirit Take Over.” Atop high-energy drum grooves and janglin’ guitar riffs, Tyler delivers a melodious and exultant call to dig deep when faced with strife.
It’s the first taste of a mountain of music to come from the accomplished Atlantan musician — and a glorious one at that.
“Let The Spirit Take Over” was written as a tribute to Yonrico Scott, inspired by a drum groove the two had worked on for Yonrico’s last album and Tyler’s fond memories of working alongside the accomplished percussionist. “There’s a broad spectrum of what a mentor could be: to me, Yonrico was both a professional mentor and familial one,” shared Tyler, “He played a father figure role in my life.”
In 2020, Tyler Neal spent time in New Orleans writing with Ric Robertson of the Sam Grisman Project with the goal of Ric producing his new solo album— ultimately, the pandemic brought Tyler back to Atlanta and toward Joey Somerville, who Tyler had met through Col. Bruce Hampton and played with at the Hampton 70. Born of his far-reaching community of ace musicians, Tyler Neal’s solo work highlights a breadth of collaboration as well as incontestable musical expertise.
Tyler first began exploring performance on guitar and drums, trying to emulate not only the hits he heard on the radio as a child, but also the gospel music he grew up singing along to in church. Ever compelled by the spirit of a song more than just the technique, Tyler aims to make music that moves people. As he says, “I wanna dance with everyone. I keep my music as open as possible, to reach people where they are.”
We are delighted they will be joining us here in the SMV for Tunes by the Tracks Friday May 26th. The concerts are free. The music goes on “come rain or come shine” each Friday from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM in the city’s parking lot near the gazebo and across from the middle of Main Street.
Don’t forget your lawn chair! Beer, wine, and soft drinks are available to purchase by donation. Proceeds go directly to keeping Tunes By the Tracks free to enjoy and exceptionally talented indie roots, blues and Americana artists trackside on the Main Street stage in Stone Mountain Village.
Who
Everyone
Cost
FreeHow
Show Up
