Archives
when Judi Neal was
with the band
Judi Neal – Original Band Member
Judi has been playing music ever since her mother handed her a ukelele at the age of 8. Growing up in Hawaii was fertile ground for musical creativity since it was common for everyone to sing and play an instrument. She picked up guitar at 14, just when folk music was coming into its prime, and was heavily influenced by such artists as Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Bob Dylan, The Kingston Trio, Peter Paul and Mary, and Joni Mitchell.
While in college, Judi performed music as a way of helping to pay tuition bills and living costs. Later she formed an all-woman country band called Coyote that played clubs and fairs around Connecticut. More recently she has been playing solo on the singer-songwriter circuit. She is founder of the Branford Folk Music Society, and has opened many times for Bill Staines, who is also on her first CD. One of her bands opened for Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks.
She wrote her first song at the age of 15 and has been crafting songs ever since. Most of her songs are love songs, although some songs are more inspirational in nature. Her first CD is titled “The Journey” and features special guest artists Bill Staines and Stacy Phillips. She has also produced a guided meditation tape on spirituality in the workplace with original ambient music. Her current band, the J.J. Diamond Band, plays frequently in Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. She is currently working on her second CD of original material. Judi is passionate about music and the power it has to touch and heal people. She says, “Music is a shortcut to the Soul.”
YouTube Videos
More videos available at Rain Desert Television
.
