Fade Away Diamond Time

This is part one of Petal Motel’s series where we go through each Neal Casal solo album one by one and chat with friends and fellow musicians who participated in their making.

In 1994, Neal Casal and several other musicians set up shop in a mansion in Santa Ynez, California, and spent a few weeks living there, recording the younger singer-songwriter’s debut album.

Fade Away Diamond Time was an instant classic, critically lauded as one of Neal Casal’s strongest albums. With twelve finely crafted, classic-singer-songwriter sounding songs; and a lineup of seasoned personnel like Greg Liesz, Bob Glaub, and Don Heffington, it’s no wonder.

The record starts strong with “Day in the Sun.” I’ve read that Neal thought that “Day in the Sun” shouldn’t have made it on the album, but I disagree completely. This song defines a lot of things that are hallmarks of his sound – it’s also the way Neal as a person made a lot of people feel. The title line, “You will have your day in the sun,” wraps you in encouragement and light. As a songwriter, Neal’s music interpolates the listener into the song by addressing “you.” There are rare occasions where he sings about subjects in the third person but for the most part, his songs are for you, and you only.

“Maybe California” is the instant classic, with John Ginty’s keys swelling and glittering like the tide amongst a rising chorus accompanied by Fooch Fischetti’s resounding pedal steel and Angie McKenna’s perfect harmony, this track lays the groundwork for the entire soundscape of the album and this era of Neal’s music.

I’ll never forget the first time I really heard to “Free To Go,” aged 18, searching for something. Instant light pouring out of Neal’s voice. Something opening. “Leaving Traces” again offers that warmth and reassurance with a driving guitar hook that echoes a wave.

“These Days With You”… what can I say? I’ve always taken this song to heart, even before, such warmth and tenderness that comes through. The lyrics could be addressing any one of us so desperately in need of comfort in this year.

The album’s name comes from a line in “Cincinnati Motel,” – “Fade away diamond time / leave me here, you’re too fine to breathe,” a song about a disagreement that showcases some of Neal’s gift for intricate and poetic songwriting, as well as the depth and breadth of his vocal capabilities. “Open Ground” sounds like a John Denver homage, in the most flattering way possible.

Start to end, this album is so timeless and flawless. What a brilliant and promising debut. So many well-worn singer-songwriter elements present, but arranged in a very fresh way that still sounds new today.

Don Heffington who played drums on this record, and many others, was kind enough to share some words and memories:

I was in Nashville working some gigs with Buddy Miller, an occasional gig with Emmylou etc, when I got a call from Maria McKee to work on one of her solo albums in LA. George Drakoulias, who was the producer of that project and also produced a Jayhawks record I played on, introduced me to Jim Scott who was producing and engineering Neal’s record. 

We went up to a beautiful old ranch in Santa Ynez which Jim managed to turn into a recording studio right before our eyes. He’s got a lot of great equipment. It was a great environment. We all stayed in the back. It was a huge place… must’ve been 150 years old or so. 

I’d never met Neal before we got up there. The evening of the very first night, a girl I had mentioned the sessions to, showed up high on Red Dog Beer and set up shop in the back. I could’ve sent her off but I didn’t want her driving. It was a little weird. I remember Neal got a kick out of that.

Neal was a good kid and he had an enthusiasm that was infectious. He was just starting out and it seemed he had a great future ahead of him.” 

-Don Heffington

Look out for news about a solo record from Don called Gloryland sometime in the near future, as well as some things he’s worked on with GospelbeacH!

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Please consider making a donation to the Neal Casal Music Foundation and of course, listen to the album.