092. Neal Francis on Chicago and his Music and Performing Experience

In this episode, we meet up with Chicago Musician and Performer, Neal Francis. We talk about Chicago, his music and inspiration, performing and touring, and we even touch on a bit of architecture, reading, and meditation. 

(2:18) What Neal's experience has been like playing music in Chicago.

(8:37) Going on tour for the first time in his life.

(10:30) Neal describes his instrument setup and musical influences.

(15:11) On his album, Changes, and songwriting process. How meaning can morph with age and experience. 

(17:05) Scheduled to have a big touring year in 2020, including Europe in the summer, how did Neal handle the emotional disappointment when the pandemic stopped that? How did he adjust creatively?

(21:38) Practice vs. Playing

(23:33) The significance of Picasso's "Three Musicians" painting in his promotional photo. Exploring the vintage environment of his now home studio. Rich and Neal discuss Chicago architecture, books, meditation, and curiosity.

(33:28) What venues does Neal dream of playing? What makes a great venue from the perspective of a performer?

Listen to Neal Francis on Spotify and Apple music. Follow Neal on Instagram @nealfrancismusic