Neal Francis

Neal Francis is actually the second time around for the roots and blues pianist Neal Francis O'Hara, who was working as a session and touring musician originally. In this phase of his career, Francis combines different parts of his history, i.e., his session experience in blues and rock on the one hand, and his love for the New Orleans style roots music on the other, and adds a bit of modern polish and mainstreamed sound in there.  The influence of legendary pianists like Leon Russell, Allen Toussaint, and Dr. John can be felt in most of his recordings, as he lovingly reconstructs the great funk/blues/soul sound of the '70s complete with a Hammond organ and a clavinet.  He adds to that a bold and boisterous brass section for good measure, as well as his soft and unhurried voice, remarkable keyboard playing.