Neal Francis Strikes a Chord in Oxford with an Energetic Performance
Oxford, Mississippi, was buzzing on the evening of September 25, as the talented artist Neal Francis graced the stage at the beloved local venue, Proud Larry’s. This performance marked his debut in Oxford, following a recent appearance at the 2024 Double Decker Arts Festival. Fans and newcomers alike filled the cozy space, eager to experience the unique blend of vintage rock, soul, and R&B that Francis has become known for.
A Connection to Oxford’s Rich Blues Culture
Though he was only in town for a short time, Neal Francis felt an undeniable connection to Oxford and its profound blues culture. Growing up, he discovered his love for music at a young age, particularly blues. “I started playing the blues when I was six,” Francis shared, underscoring the genre’s influence on his style. “Chicago has a rich history of blues music. Once a lot of Mississippi blues guys came up north, the music became electrified.” This deep-rooted passion adds a layer of authenticity to his performances.
The Essence of Francis’s Music
Influenced heavily by his father’s extensive record collection of music from the 1960s and 1970s, Neal Francis explores sounds that span rock, soul, jazz, and R&B. Describing his music as “groovy,” he noted that while there is a nostalgic quality to his work, the inspiration often stems from his personal experiences. “I’m just trying to make recordings that I would like to listen to,” he said. “Usually I’m looking backward in time rather than at more contemporary artists.”
Charting His Musical Journey
Francis garnered significant attention with the release of his debut album, “Changes,” in 2019, showcasing his soulful melodies and irresistible grooves. His sophomore effort, “In Plain Sight,” was recorded in an abandoned church during the height of the pandemic, capturing the eerie yet freeing atmosphere of the space. “The energy was channeling through me, and I created something full of resilience,” he explained. His most recent release, “Francis Comes Alive,” features songs he has been playing at live shows, reflecting both the concept and aesthetic he envisions as an artist.
What to Expect Next
Looking ahead, Neal Francis expressed his excitement for his upcoming album, set to drop in October 2024. “I’m moving towards a more dance-informed, sort of a disco sound on one side, and on the other side, more rock,” he revealed. It appears fans can look forward to an evolving sound that stays true to his roots while exploring new musical territory.
Fan Reactions and the Atmosphere at Proud Larry’s
Among the audience was Bryson Mischlich, a sophomore marketing major, who welcomed Francis into his musical repertoire after hearing him for the first time during the Double Decker Festival. “I had no idea who Neal Francis was at all, and then he started playing; and I was like wait, this is actually really fun music,” he remarked. Mischlich was particularly impressed by Francis’s quintessential “old-fashioned” stage presence, complete with bell-bottom pants and a dagger collar shirt, explaining, “It’s the kind of stuff we don’t see nowadays, and I love that about him.”
Proud Larry’s, known for its intimate environment, played a crucial role in the evening’s success. “Shows like this are really fun because we’re so close to the audience,” Francis explained. “The more people are having a good time, the more we’re having a good time. It’s a symbiotic thing.”
As fellow attendee Thomas Turner, a sophomore business major, noted, “I like dancing a lot,” getting lost in the rhythm of the music made it all the more enjoyable. The opportunity to connect with artists made the experience even deeper. “It was just amazing, being so close to them,” Mischlich noted. “I felt engulfed in the music.”
The Night’s Legacy
In the end, Neal Francis’s performance at Proud Larry’s was more than just a concert; it was an emotional journey that brought together Oxford’s vibrant music scene and a passionate audience. With his upcoming projects and evident love for the blues, there’s little doubt that Francis leaves Oxford with not just new fans, but also a piece of the city in his heart.
