Bio
Neil Harnett is from White Rock, BC and has enjoyed such highlights as a Juno Nomination, three singles on the Canadian charts, two full length CDs, three videos with national exposure and shared concert billings with Jeff Healey, Chuck Berry and The Doobie Brothers.
In 1988, Neil’s composition, Ain’t Good Lovin’ Enough was recorded by Diamond in the Rough and made it to the top ten of the Canadian AC charts. The buzz created by Neil’s performances and growing catalogue of tunes earned him his own deal the following year. Neil’s debut CD, Times Like These, met with enthusiastic response when it was released on Bruce Allen’s Penta label in the spring of 1989. That’s What I Need, and the title track both made it into the Top Ten of the Canadian AC charts plus Times Like These had a supporting video that was played on Much Music.
Neil was nominated for a Juno Award, as Most Promising Male Vocalist in 1990. National interest in Neil was at a peak when Penta suddenly folded, leaving him entangled in legal and contractual confusion. In mid-1995, finally free of the red tape, Neil entered Greenhouse Studios with some of Vancouver's finest talent and began recording a self-produced follow-up album. Rubber Room Day, received positive reviews and the two supporting videos for Nothing is Changing and Guardian Angel received maximum rotation on CMT.
Tom Harrison from The Province - “...As the title suggests, this is a record that contemplates state of mind and emotion. It is a thought provoking as well as soul-stirring work...”, Tony Montigue from The Georgia Straight - “...Rubber Room Day is a well produced album of music that is firmly in the pop-rock mainstream. Harnett is a fine guitarist and a strong singer...”, Brant Zwicker Station Manager CFBX 92.5 FM Kamloops - “...Neil is one of those rare and talented singer-songwriters who are equal parts of both – first-rate vocalist and composer – and when his tasty guitar playing is added to the mix, it simply does not get any better. Whether performing solo or with a band, Harnett can rock the house, and then turn around and break your heart with but a song...”
Some time after Rubber Room Day Neil took a much needed hiatus. In 2001 Neil returned to his passion and although he was derailed many times by a sequence of events he couldn't ignore, including his daughter's accident, which left her with a severe brain injury, Neil finally released his new CD, Somewhere.
Tom Harrison from the Province – '…The songs resonate with a personal reason for being and are more than just a collection of songs amassed over the years. Somewhere is an album Harnett had to make but nearly didn't…'
Alex Browne from The Peace Arch News – '…His daughter's fight back from a brain injury has given Neil Harnett a new focus for his music. One of the ironies, was that although the songs predated the accident, many have a theme of positivity, hope and of never giving up in the face of hardship…'
The tunes from the new Somewhere CD encompass a blend of rock, blues, folk and roots music, seasoned with pop sensibilities. Neil's musical depth and diversity and bluesy guitar undertones have often been compared to Eric Clapton and although Neil has always been a big Clapton fan, any resemblance is through osmosis and not by design. Neil's world-class vocals have been compared to Paul Carrack, Paul Rogers, Van Morrison, Sam Cooke and a plethora of traditional R&B, soul singers.
Whether solo or with a band, Neil is well known for his relaxed audience rapport and engaging, passionate performances. Neil can often be found playing in his hometown of White Rock, BC, and although he is very grateful for the support from the local venues he is looking forward to performing more full-on shows where the music is the focus. To that end, Neil will be taking his show into Vancouver and throughout western BC and is also planning more extensive touring in the near future.