Johnny
Neel Joins the Big Damn Big Jam
at Canal Street Tavern
by Jimmy Cummings
The
legendary Johnny Neel invaded Canal Street Tavern Sunday night to join Norm
Dimitrouleas and the Big Damn Jam. A member of bands like the Allman Brothers,
Gov’t Mule, and Blue Floyd, Johnny Neel has been entertaining audiences for
decades. So when I heard he was coming to Canal Street, I was more than excited
to take the trip up I-75. Johnny was scheduled to perform a solo set as well as
take part in the Big Damn Jam and we were lucky enough to get there early
enough to catch Johnny’s sound check. Usually during the sound check people are
at the bar catching up with friends; not when Johnny Neel does a sound check.
Everyone in the tavern stopped what they were doing and listened intently as
Johnny got the sound just right.
Opening up the show was a group from Dayton
called New Vega; the band brought their brand of Progressive Rock to Canal
Street for the first time. If the guys were nervous to open for a legend it
didn’t show. New Vega offered the crowd a variety of original songs from their
upcoming debut album “Tempo” set to be released in late July. The band, (Chance
Cambell, Alex Rundle, Adam Sabin, and Zach Sabin) also did a cover of
Radiohead’s hit “Go to Sleep” that got the bar buzzing. New Vega is more than
capable to open up for anyone and the guys are well on their way to becoming a
fan favorite. We will keep you posted on the release of New Vega’s debut CD and
upcoming shows in your area. In the mean time you can catch New Vega at the Southwind
Music Festival Friday, June 3rd.
 
When Norm escorted Johnny Neel to the
stage, everyone in attendance was on their feet in anticipation of what was to
come. Johnny is an Emmy nominated musician so he knows how to work a crowd.
Once the Keyboard player for the Allman Brothers Band, Johnny Neel combines his
musical and songwriting talents with a soulful voice that is easy to listen to
and keeps you wanting more. In addition to his solo act, Johnny has released
two albums with his band called Johnny Neel and the Criminal Element Vol.
1&2. Johnny’s solo performance included classics like My Kind of People and a song written by Neel and his wife called Gift of Song. But Johnny was
just getting warmed up.
After a short break, it was time for the
real fun to begin. Johnny Neel returned to the stage with some of the Miami
Valley’s best musicians for a jam session that can only be described as
incredible. The Werks Norman Dimitrouleas brought together talent from local
band favorites like Magic Jackson, Oh Kee Pah (the Phish tribute band), Romeo
Champagne, and the Tony Red Band. First on stage with Johnny was Magic
Jackson’s Guitar player John Gentry Jr. and Drummer Rob Brockman, and Oh Kee
Pah’s Bassist Dino Dimitrouleas (also Norm’s brother). With so much talent on
one stage, I knew we were in for something special; little did I know this was
only the beginning. After performing as a quintet, Saxophonist Danny Sauers of
Romeo Champagne joined the fun and took center stage. Danny’s sax never sounded
so good and it blended well with the bluesy voice of Neel and the precision of
Gentry. Along with Dino and Rob, the group blew me away. Canal Street was
rocking as the Big Damn Jam was turning into a very memorable night. One of the
highlights of the evening was when Johnny and the rest of the guys performed the
Allman Brothers’ Whipping Post with Neel on vocals.
 
When the time came for Johnny to take a
well deserving break, Norm took over the Keyboards and the transition was
flawless. Replacing Dino on stage was Norm’s band mate special guest Bassist
Chuckie Love and replacing John Gentry Jr. on Guitar was Brooks Daughtery with Tony Herdman
taking the stage on vocals. Tony and Norm performed the song "Carry Me Back Home" which was written by Norm.
A high point in the set was a duet with Tony and
Chuckie singing " She Sucked it Well"
; a song written by Love, always a crowd favorite.. Chuckie also requested that Gentry
return to the stage for the song. Tony turned the microphone over to Melissa
Young of Dayton’s own Miss Lisa & Company. Melissa has an awesome with
amazing range, so with the return of Danny Sauer and the addition of Miss Lisa
& Company’s Guitar player Eric Henry the music took on a new dimension and
complexity. There were so many special moments I am sure I failed to mention
one or two. So I would like to thank everyone who took part in the Big Damn
Jam. Thanks to Norm for assembling a mix of the area’s finest musicians and
also thanks to New Vega for a great show. A BIG thank you to Johnny Neel for
making this one of the most enjoyable nights of music I have ever had at Canal
Street. Speaking of Canal Street, thank you for providing fans with a great
venue, you guys make us feel welcome every time we walk through the door.
The Big Damm Jam
Canal Street Tavern
Dayton , Ohio
Taped By Chubby
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