Song Spotlight: Ned Casual's Gentrification Blues

I was introduced to Ned Casual via his band Zooluxx. Their PR person reached out in late January 2020 about covering their set at the Moroccan Lounge. If you wish to do so, you can read the article here. The article posted on February 21st. It is interesting thinking back to those times. Just a couple weeks later, venues would shut down and stay shut down for more than a  year. 

Ned Casual at Harvard & Stone

I crossed paths once again with Ned Casual recently at Harvard & Stone in April. I actually wanted to catch him in March at Harvard & Stone, but something happened and he had to cancel. Interestingly, another band also cancelled that night that I was interested in seeing: Internet Sasha. Not all was lost, one of my favorite bands Bruvvy played that night. 

Another interesting insight on my part is that another member of Zooluxx recently played at Harvard & Stone: Princess Frank (Frank Luis) took to the drums for Kill My Coquette. You can read my review of the night (here).

Ned Casual at Harvard & Stone

During the set, some tidbits of life were discussed. He mentioned he's been playing solo for the last year and a half. On this particular night, that solo life ended as he was playing with a bassist and drummer as Ned Casual and the Tombstone Blues. I'm guessing Zooluxx broke up (or taking an extended break) sometime in 2023. He also mentioned that he played Harvard & Stone when it first opened, which I'm just guessing was via Zooluxx. 

One of his friends keep sending beers his way before he finally had to mention that he had a lot more songs to play. 

Ned Casual introduced the band's music as "Some way back yonder, but from the future." The can be highlighted by "Gentrification Blues." The song briefly started off with the opening chords from the gospel spiritual "When the Saints Go Marching In" before veering to the parallel genre of funk and blues. A four minute workout of the blues with the Golden Rule added into the lyrics:

Do unto others.
As you'd have them do unto you.

The band also performed The Rolling Stones' cover "Jumpin' Jack Flash" with the mention that it was a favorite song from that era of music.

Ned Casual at Harvard & Stone

The set ended with, "That's all folks!"

(I usually will embed a Spotify link so that people can listen to the music, but unfortunately it doesn't look like the band has released any music. Hopefully, that changes soon enough.) 

Partial setlist: Intro Groove, Gentrification Blues, Flying Pirates, Jumpin' Jack Flash (The Rolling Stones cover).