Louisiana’s Swamp Blues scene is alive and thriving, thanks to the latest offering from multi-Blues Music Award-winner and Grammy nominee Kenny Neal. According to a press release, the celebrated bluesman is set to release his new single, “Devil’s In The Delta,” on February 28, alongside his son, Micah Willis. The track will be released through Verdict Music and distributed by The Orchard.
What makes this release particularly noteworthy is the collaboration between Neal and Willis, marking a generational continuation of the renowned Neal family’s musical legacy. Willis, an accomplished singer-songwriter in his own right, represents the third generation of Neal musicians.
“Now I know how my Dad, the late, great ‘Blues Man’ Raful Neal, felt when I would share the stage with him,” Kenny Neal said. “As a young kid at the early age of six or seven – and well beyond my childhood years, as a young man – it was truly a thrill to perform alongside my father. He inspired my love of music, especially the Blues and eventually, I followed in his footsteps and launched my own career. Now, several generations later, I’m passing the torch to my own son just like my Dad did with me. I’m so very proud to watch my son Micah take the torch even further… continuing the tradition, preserving our rich culture and cementing our legacy for many generations to come.”
The single is a masterful fusion of two distinct vocal styles. Neal delivers his signature gritty, growling vocals, while Willis contributes a soulful counterpoint. Together, they create a sound that stays true to the Swamp Blues roots while introducing fresh, modern elements.
“Devil’s in the Delta’ is unlike any song I have done genre-wise,” Willis said. “It challenged me to dig deep and find my bluesy sound. There are a lot of people out there who aren’t convinced your music can span across several genres. They like to put you in a box – and with me being a pop/R&B artist – it was rewarding to prove that you can put out a really cool song that doesn’t necessarily fit the box they try to put you in. Working with my dad was also super fun and fascinating. We both have different creative processes when it comes to recording and making a record. I think we both learned a lot from each other working on this project.”
Neal, the oldest of ten children, grew up immersed in music. His father, Raful Neal, was a respected Louisiana blues musician who paved the way for the family’s deep musical roots. Those roots are now extending into a new generation with Willis.
Despite being based in different states — Neal in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Willis in Salt Lake City, Utah — the duo overcame the distance through modern technology. They collaborated remotely to record the single before Willis flew to Baton Rouge to film the accompanying music video.
The result is a well-produced track with a captivating hook, showcasing the family’s enduring musical talent while reinforcing their personal bond.
Fans of traditional Swamp Blues, complete with prominent harmonica, soulful vocals, and wailing guitar tremolos, will find much to enjoy in “Devil’s In The Delta.” But listeners beware — as the song warns, the Devil is very much alive in this track, and he just might want to make a deal. Learn more about Kenny Neal here.
Devil’s In The Delta” Production Credits
Kenny Neal – Lead Vocals, Harmonica, Slide Guitar and Rhythm Guitar
Micah Willis – Lead Vocals
Frederick Neal – Keyboards
Amos Singleton – Keyboards
Darnell Neal – Bass Guitar
Michael Harris – Drums
Produced by – Kenny Neal & Micah Willis
Engineer – Orland Henry & Chance Clift
Recorded at Brookstown Recording, Baton Rouge, LA & June Audio, Provo, UT
