Melissa
Neels Band
 I
know you have never seen a woman play lead guitar like this!! If you are curious
as to what I am talking about you have to check out a young, blond, beautiful,
and loaded with talent, Melissa Neels. Recently
coming into the St. Louis blues scene with her band the Melissa Neels Band, she
will knock your socks off and thoroughly entertain. Already playing at some of
St. Louis's premier blues clubs like Broadway Oyster Bar, Mike & Min's, and Hammerstones,
she is taking St. Louis by storm. She has sat in with Bennie Smith at Hammerstones
jam session on Sunday nights. Melissa considers Patti Thomas of Patti and the
Hitmen to be one of her mentors. Melissa's influences are Stevie Ray Vaughn, B.B.
King, Bonnie Raitt, and Susan Tedeschi. It has taken her a long time to come into
her own and create her own voice but she is definitely making it now. Her gutsy
vocals and wailing guitar licks offer something for everyone. Melissa likes to
credit her mom and dad, Judy and Jim, with sparking her interest in music and
especially the blues. For a real treat come see her band down in Soulard. Her
strong originals compliment her cover material. Her band is often listed in the
Riverfront Times. Also check out her website!
Her band members include Tom May on drums, Ted May on bass, Howard Young on harmonica,
and Matt McCauley on keyboards. (Article written by a good friend). For
more on this local talent, read her interview! |
