This issue of my blog is about someone who be consider a St. Louis Music Legend, Melissa Neels.
I met Melissa in 2013, she was playing at BB’s in a benefit concert. I was instantly blown away with her guitar playing. Then you throw her singing style in well you are in for a very energetic show. I got to meet Melissa that night, it was an instant friendship. Now I know that I mentioned above about Melissa being a “St. Louis Music Legend.” I truly believe this, there are not many female guitar players here. Melissa is in the “Top Shelf” bracket, she is as good or sometimes better than some of the male guitar players around town or anywhere. Let’s talk about Melissa songwriting. She has a real gift for writing songs, they are songs that everyone can relate to. Once you see The Melissa Neels Band you will be hooked, also you will learn about Melissa’s Grandma Norma which she wrote a song about. Besides being a Outstanding musician and singer, Melissa is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. I highly recommend you check her out if you get the chance. Melissa was born in St. Louis, Mo. She grew up listening to records on her mom and dad’s 1970’s stereo console. In junior high school she started to take guitar lessons after listening to a Chuck Berry tape on the way to The Lake of the Ozarks in her family’s old green van. Not knowing that a childhood dream would come true of meeting and opening for the legendary Chuck Berry at Blueberry Hill’s Duck Room in 2003. Another event that would change Melissa’s path was meeting Bonnie Raitt with her mom in 1990 and in 1991. Bonnie told Melissa “to keep playing the blues” and gave her an autograph picture. After that she worked hard to learn how to play lead guitar. After graduating high school, Melissa played in many bands including Cool Water with her friend Bud (who would be her drummer throughout the years), The Skillet Sisters, and Delilah. She realized the other bands weren’t going to allow her to express herself and play the kind of music she wanted to play. So, in 2000 she set out to form her own group at the age of 18, The Melissa Neels Band. Throughout the band’s history, Melissa has had many talented musicians in her band. For instance, Bob Keller, who was her bass player and performed on her cd “Shine”. Bob was a founding member of The Allman Joys with Greg and Duane Allman. That band later became The Allman Brothers. Melissa is backed by 4 talented and experienced musicians who have been with her for many years. Matt McCauley on keys and background vocals, Bud Rager on drums, Stu Massey on bass and background vocals and guest appearances by Howard Young on the harmonica, make up the current Melissa Neels Band. Not only is Melissa influenced by Bonnie Raitt but also by Debbie Davies, Susan Tedeschi, Loretta Lynn, Joanna Connor, Freddie King, Albert King, and The Allman Brothers. Melissa can appreciate all music to some extent but blues with a hint of rock really describes her sound. In 2013, as a side project she began performing with the whole women band, “Groove Sistahs” featuring Sharon Bear, Carolyn Ittner, and Leslie Sanazaro. Also, that year she started to play in a duo with singer-songwriter Jen Norman. Melissa’s lifelong dream to become a singer, lead guitarist, songwriter, performer and to entertain people has all come true thru hard work and determination. Music is Melissa’s passion, and she hopes to perform and turn people on to her music for years to come. 1.How long have you been playing music? I started playing guitar at age 13. 2.Where were you born? St. Louis, Mo and attended Oakville Senior High School 3.Are you self-taught? I took lessons when I was younger, then I learned how to play lead guitar from Clint Wilson when I was 19. I worked on getting better on my own in my early 20’s and then I went back to lessons for a little while in my 30’s. 4.Who are your biggest influences? My biggest influences are Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeschi, Freddie King, Albert King, B.B. King, Allman Brothers, Loretta Lynn 5.What style of music do you consider yours? My style of music is blues/rock. 6.What was your first gig? How old were you? The first time I performed in front of people with a group was when I was 18. I played in a band with Bud Rager, (my current drummer), and Chris Noblin who played bass. We played a few songs on the break of Chris’s dad’s band at Dock Knockers at The Lake of the Ozarks. 7.What advice do you have for someone starting out in the music business? My advice for someone starting out would be to always believe in yourself, be a humble musician and don’t get too cocky, treat every musician with respect, practice your instrument and voice, write songs, and never give up on your dream no matter how old you are. 8.Do you write your own songs? Yes, I write my own songs and perform cover songs. 9.What would people be surprised to hear that you have in your personal song collection? People would be surprised that I have Loretta Lynn Greatest hits and Merle Haggard Greatest hits. Here is where you can find info on Melissa Neels. http://melissaneels.net/ I will say again that you should check out Melissa Neels Band if you ever get the chance. She is a St. Louis, Music Legend.
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AuthorHello, My name is Michael. I am into music, have been for over 48yrs. Big fan of all kinds of music, right now it has been the Blues for the last 10yrs. I do not play any instruments, But I very interested in the recording aspect of the industry. Have messed around with it a little and always learning new things about it. I have met many wonderful people because of Music.. Hope you enjoy my Blogs... In the last two years I have been producing House Concerts. I also in the past 2 years got to produce and engineer an album for a very good friend of mine from Sweden "Magpie". Archives
February 2024
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