Syreeta Neal
: Stand Tall
2003
Spirit, soul and truth are not only Syreeta Neal's foundation,
they are also the essence of her art, her music. Born
in Toronto to an Italian mother and an African-American
father, the fourth generation musician was exposed to
music and the art of performance long before she was
able to articulate her passion for it.
She began studying jazz and classical music at the age
of 11 but her most influential "classrooms" were
those of her musical family in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
where her father, grandfather and many aunts and uncles
are all accomplished blues musicians.
Syreeta grew up hearing stories of Blues legends like
Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters and Big Mama Thornton taking
her father on the road when he was just a young teenager.
And, as is the tradition in the Neal family, in October
of 2000 Syreeta traveled overseas to Paris to open for
her father, Kenny Neal and his Blues Band. During this
time Syreeta also began carving out a place for herself
in the live music scene in Toronto and in the last two
years she has had the opportunity to perform in Blues
and Jazz festivals throughout the U.S.
These experiences were the catalyst for Syreeta to move
on to composing and performing her own original material
while simultaneously honing her skills on electric and
acoustic guitar. This lead to performing acoustically
on a weekly basis at local restaurant/lounge Spaha, a
residency which continued for a year and a half, as well
as playing weekly at a Yorkville blues club (Blues on
Bellair), exclusively showcasing her original work with
a full band.
Syreeta recently completed her independent debut album,
entitled Stand Tall. Innovative and unique, Stand Tall
is an eclectic fusion of organic soul, blues and rock & roll;
Syreeta's writing has best been described as powerful,
deep and honest.
Ever since Syreeta Neal was a young girl she has been
called an old soul, startling people with the strength
and maturity of her voice. Even through all her formal
training she has never lost the rare, soul stirring sound
that sets her apart from so many of her peers. She now
wears these attributes proudly and she is now ready to
be heard.
www.syreetaneal.com
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