About Me
THE STORY OF EDDIE NEON
*CyberBluz* ©2008
San Francisco, Bay Area Blues player, Eddie Neon, is a true independent.
His story is as unique and original as his approach to his music. Born in 1946 at the height of post World War II reconstruction, he soon realized that he needed to play the Blues.
He could feel the music inside of him and he knew that his road in life was to play it. He served his country, proudly and then Eddie continued on that Blues path, after being released from the Army Airborn, 1st Air Cavalry Division, stationed in Viet Nam in 1967.
Blues was a major influence for Eddie, since his early days in a Bay Area high school, when
Blues and R&B music were his bread & butter, as it was for many San Francisco youngsters.
BB King's infamous line, " Everybody wants to know why I sing the Blues ", is a reminder for him.
" Blues is the music of the people, ALL people - and that's why I love it so !", says
Eddie, " Nothing feels better than playing Blues. Sure, I've slipped through some of the cracks, but I'm still having fun and kickin' in the stall. "
He reflects on himself as, "... just another Blues boy from the Bay Area , nobody famous, with nothing to prove ". He couldn't be more wrong, as his lively approach to the music he loves so, continues to thrill crowds of Blues fans.
Eddie Neon is a humble man, who drives a hard-hitting guitar with plenty of showmanship,
enough to fill any room. He has never had a formal lesson, being a self taught guitar player, vocalist, band leader and song writer. He strives to keep the Blues tradition alive in himself first, - then for his crew and for all of those who love the Blues .
When veteran Bluesman, Cool Papa passed away in 1994, Eddie was invited to play a benefit celebrating his memory, at Ashkenaz, a historical Berkeley club, established by the late, great David Nadel. Some of the best local talent performed at this tribute.
The list was long. Mark Naftalin was the master of ceremonies and there was a hand picked rhythm section, backing up headliners like Elvin Bishop, Chris Cain and Ms Dee. They, along with other great artists raised the roof at this event.
Some of Eddie's heroes in the Blues are BB King, Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, Albert King, SRV,
Koko Taylor. Mike Bloomfield, Albert Collins, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix,
Carlos Santana and Gary Moore. Great Blues masters, like Robert Johnson, John Lee Hooker, Lightning Hopkins, Muddy Waters and a host of others, have influenced his style of guitar.
Eddie remains rooted in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he says he feels the best, because, " The people here keep the down home spirit of the Blues alive â€. There are so many great Blues artists in the Bay Area, all heroes that he has the utmost respect for.
The Eddie Neon Blues Band is based in San Francisco, California. He is working hard to expand his fan base. He has acquired an modest track record, having had the opportunity to open for Etta James and Bonnie Bramlett and has shared the stage with many respected Blues artists.
He still likes the festival vibe and continues to pursue it, having played many of the local fairs, including the Marin County Fair and the San Mateo Fair. He has highlighted noted events such as, The San Francisco Chronicle's New Years Eve Bash, - and the Eddie Neon Blues band is currently to be found still playing local clubs.
He carries his own torch in blues. No one ever passed it to him. “ So many have left us, but the Blues train must roll on ", he says. Blues can be a heavy burden and Eddie Neon carries what he can.
" I'm the last guy in line anyway,
what do I have to lose ? ".
*CyberBluz* ©2008
" Thanks to all of you
who have taken the time out to read about me ! ",
Eddie Neon, 2008
