Dave Schools met Neal Casal the day they were set to go into Bob Weir's TRI Studio to record what would become the debut Hard Working Americans record. Bonding over Col. Bruce Hampton after a session, it didn't take too long for the two music lovers to become fast friends. Neal traded Dave his 2012 album Sweeten the Distance for a Hampton Grease Band album and Dave was blown away by Neal's capabilities as a singer and songwriter. Dave co-produced Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal, and is an enthusiastic champion of the Neal Casal Music Foundation's mission. In this episode, Dave discusses the enormity and subsequent fulfillment of completing the 5-LP box set, touches on a few of the album's highlights, and discusses how providing mental health care and instruments and music lessons to children can be both life-changing and life-saving.

Song clips in this episode: 

“Time Down The Wind” - Hiss Golden Messenger, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal

“Death Of A Dream” - J Mascis, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal

“Bird With No Name” - Jimmy Herring, Circles Around The Sun, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal

“Too Much To Ask” - Kenny Roby, Amy Helm, Highway Butterfly: The Songs of Neal Casal

Episode artwork photography by Neal Casal

Distributed by Osiris Media

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