If you believe in reincarnation then some of the melodic artistry of country-rocker Gram Parsons must have found its way into Neal Casal since his birth in Denville, New Jersey on the 2nd November 1968. A restless childhood that visited Georgia, California, Michigan and Florida before upstate New York was given a musical impetus at age 13 by the twin gifts of a guitar and a copy of the Rolling Stones Exile on Main Street. High school bands that played heavy metal soon gave way to an appreciation of the past as the Stones led him back to legends such as Peter Tosh, Hank Williams and Woody Guthrie. Backed up by a 1991 publishing deal Casal finally got to record his stunning debut, 1995's Fade Away Diamond Time, only to receive critical acclaim and label indifference in equal measure as he was dropped mid-tour. The star-studded disc, which featured luminaries such as Greg Leisz, Don Heffington, John Ginty and George Drakoulias, benefited from Wilco/Whiskeytown producer Jim Scott who moulded a reinvention of post-Woodstock seventies rock around Casal's literate song-writing. It shimmered with echoes of musicians retreating to the Woodstock countryside, most notably Van Morrison, Dylan and The Band. The luxurious surroundings of the Palacio del Rio where it was recorded perhaps added to its beatific aura. Disappointed he returned straight away on indie label Buy or Die with the low-key acoustic disc Rain, Wind and Speed(1996) which showcased his strengthening writing ability. In interviews he cites Paul Bowles and Garcia Marquez proving that his interest in literature runs deeper than mere dabbling. German label Glitterhouse released Rain, Wind and Speed in Europe where his melodic and tuneful 'poetry' picked up a loyal following after several solo and group appearances. His raised profile there led to the release of a limited edition collection of out-takes and unreleased tracks in 1997 on Glitterhouse calledField Recordings.1998 began with a return to the full band set-up and many of the same players from the debut as Casal took five days to record the self-produced The Sun Rises Here. It confirmed his song-writing credentials and raised his status to a point where he can be seriously compared to those legends that he admires. It can be ranked alongside other great records in the genre such as Warren Zevon's first or even Parson's GPor Gene Clark's No Other. More tours of Europe followed as well as duties on other artist's records including backing for James Iha, Angelina Mckenna and fellow singer-songwriter Tom Flannery. Live solo spots show a deep knowledge of the country-folk heritage as he covers Townes Van Zandt, Gram Parsons and trucking songs with the same faultless reverence. ~ Shaun Belcher, All Music Guide