Member Since: 9/3/2006
Band Website: neilandtherealdeal.com
Band Members: NEIL KULHANEK (Guitar and Vocals}
Neil Kulhanek was born and raised in Texas. Neil started showing interest in music at an early age and played just about every brass instrument in school band. Some of his favorites are Baritone, Slide Trombone and Tuba. At the age of ten his interest turned to Guitar. Neil attended Texas A&M University and received his degree in Economics and Accounting. Neil is mostly known for his incredible pedal steel guitar playing and has played with several notables such as Lyle Lovett, Kinky Friedman, Gary P Nunn and Johnny Lyon, just to name a few. Neil has traveled extensively with many bands and he formed the group Neil and the Real Deal in 1996. Neil currently resides in Brenham, is married and he’s coming to a town near you soon. Ha Ha!WILL ROSE ( Bass Guitar and Vocals)
Will Rose was born in Waco Texas, but was raised in Houston Texas. He started showing interest in music at around five years of age. His first instrument was slide trombone, but also played Tuba in School Band as well as Piano. Not too long after that he got the bug to play Bass Guitar, playing in Jazz Band at school and in Houston area bands, mainly Rock and Roll. After moving to Brenham, Texas In 1978, Will started to play more Country and Top Forty. In 1980 Will formed the Texas Dancehall band “Texas Unlimited†with friends Tim Langham, Steve Jatzlau and Ronnie Nienstedt. Will has traveled extensively with them and with several of the bands he’s played with and has opened for a wide range of artist from Don Williams and George Strait to Joe Cocker and Ian Moore. His bass playing style is versatile and unique, From funk to rock, from country to blues he really shows his diversity in everything he plays. Will currently lives in Bryan Texas, is married, has two beautiful daughters and has been playing with Neil and the Real Deal since 1996.BRAD TAPLIN ( Drums and Vocals)
Brad Taplin hails from the great state of Missouri. He moved to Texas in the early 80’s. Brad comes from a musical back ground that started with lots of diversity at an early age. From playing in a 3 piece rock band, to singing and drumming in the church choir, where his Dad was the Musical Director. Brad also played Drums, Trumpet, Piano and Tuba in School Band. Brad chose to concentrate mainly on Drums at the age of 14. Since then he has played with bands traveling across the United States and has opened for over 50 national acts. Steve Wariner, Diamond Rio, The Bellamy Brothers and Tim McGraw to name a few. Brad is “one bad mother†on the skins! Brad currently resides in Bryan, is married and has been a member of Neil and the Real Deal since 1996.Bella Faccia ( Protector of the band equipment)NO HONEY, WE DIDN'T HAVE ANY BEER OR HOOKERS AT THE HOTEL AFTER THE SHOW!!!!!, BUT THIS GUY DID COME BY!!!
Influences: B. B. King, Howlin' Wolf, Freddie King, Albert Collins, Muddy Waters, Albert King, Leadbelly, T-Bone Walker, Lowell Fulsom, Robert Johnson, John Lee Hooker, Lighting Hopkins, Charlie Parker, James Brown, The Beatles, Rolling Stones , Eric Clapton , Pink Floyd, Cream, Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Z Z Top, The Who and many more.Too many to metion.Will's main bass influences are Paul McCartney, John Entwistle, Geddy Lee, Marcus Miller, Anthony Jackson, Chris Squire, Bill Wyman, Roger Waters, Jaco, Dusty Hill and John Paul Jones. Just to name a few. I've picked up things from many more bassist and Love and Respect them all.
Sounds Like: Ourself really ,but SRV or Z Z Top would be some close bands to our sound.
Record Label: unsigned
Type of Label: None