Sometimes I need to remind myself I’m not dreaming, because Neil is so great – my favorite artist of all time. He is like a magician pulling rabbits out of a hat. With inspiration from his Muse, he creates music that completely captivates me. I don’t know how he does it, but that is okay. It’s better to just enjoy the music and not overthink. I can’t easily explain the greatness of his music. It’s like trying to describe the beauty of a sunset. It’s not easy for me. For most of my life, writing like this was outside my comfort zone. Neil inspires me to try. I have heard Neil speak of his Muse, so I looked it up. I know now that Neil is MY Muse!
I decided to write this because exciting things are coming this year. But first, I will backtrack to April 2019, when Neil got together with Crazy Horse — Ralph Molina, Billy Talbot, and Nils Lofgren — to record the album Colorado. One song Neil wrote was called Shut It Down. It turned out to be prophetic. A year later, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic crisis struck hard. From then on until recently, Neil wisely stayed in quarantine to stay safe. But he didn’t stop performing. I was very happy about that!
I love the Fireside Sessions that were recorded during 2020. It was an ingenious way for Neil to keep in touch with his audience during the height of the lockdown. Daryl’s photography of the Rocky Mountains is breathtaking and awe inspiring. With snowcapped mountains as background, Neil casually played an acoustic guitar outdoors, with the sun setting, near a blazing outdoor firepit and lightly falling snow – it is so beautiful! In another session, he played for the chickens and a rooster near his barn (so cute!). Watching these films makes me feel like I am there in person. It is such a relaxing feeling. A wooden door creaked open and then banged shut as Neil led his viewers back inside to a glowing and crackling fireplace. It is so comforting. Neil fashioned a makeshift harmonica holder by gently taping his harmonica to a horseshoe taped to a work horse of some kind. That being done, he sang some great songs from his heart, with no fancy equipment, just him and his guitar and piano. I love every moment, every note, the sound of his foot tapping on the wooden floor, and his sweet dogs by his side. For me, the Fireside Sessions were exactly what I needed at the time, and they will always be among my favorite videos.
Things are finally changing (hopefully) now that vaccinations have become available. In June 2021, it became safe enough that Neil and Crazy Horse at last got together to start recording a new album in a newly rebuilt historic barn in Colorado. A mobile recording studio was brought in to do the recording. This is wonderful!
One lesson Neil taught me is how much we all need each other. As a musician and performer, he exemplifies this. He has talked about how important the people he works with are, including producers, engineers, fellow band members and others. He knows he is part of a team that unites to make great songs. We the audience are also essential. So, I see great things ahead, as long as we work together. It will be so great to find out more about the new album! I hope the recording sessions are being filmed. We shall see! The Horse is back… Life Goes On!