Born in the same small West Virginia town where Hank Williams was pronounced dead, Anthony grew up listening to a diverse mixture of music. Raised on equal amounts of rock, country, folk and pop, he developed a broad range of musical tastes (evident in his songwriting). Inspired by the writing of his musical hero Townes Van Zandt, Anthony began writing, performing and recording music in 1999. Since then he has released two recordings Chase Your Burden and Generation X-istential Blues, and was featured in a compilation from Shut Eye Records.
With the completion of his latest record, scheduled to be released in early 2013, Anthony Neff continues to build upon his reputation as a songwriter and performer of considerable depth. The songs on Between the Rungs encompass a variety of styles – but form a consistent musical palette.
Between the Rungs, much like its predecessors, is built upon a solid framework of warm tones, intelligent lyrics and lasting melodies. Touches of Americana, rock, folk and pop music are interspersed throughout Anthony’s songs – yet he manages to avoid easy categorization into any one of these labels.
The new release was produced by Kenny Roby, and features a solid cast of contributing musicians, including Scott McCall (Two Dollar Pistols), Davey Bartholomew (The Vibekillers, Tres Chicas), Stephen Gardner (The Cartridge Family, The T’s), Ray Duffey (Countdown Quartet, Six String Drag) and Steve Grothmann (Countdown Quartet).
With songs that have been described as “half Band and half Little Feat”, Generation X-istential Blues was praised by critics and fans alike:
“5 Stars…a trek through the world of Americana music…from roots-blues to country-rock and folk. The songs are well crafted…Anthony Neff is a songwriter himself that deserves recognition, as he can hold his own with any songwriter today, and even with some of the greats of the past.” – Rikk Matheson, RikksRevues.com
“Mixes Americana, folk, country, rock and the blues into the fold and accomplishes more than a Little Feat.” – Smother.net
“This CD is so much fun. Anthony’s voice is powerful and emotive…the listener cannot help but be drawn in.” - Mark Duncan, CarolinaMusic.net
“A solid collection of songs…friendly to the ears.” - Rick Cornell, Independent Weekly
“3.5 Stars…genuine and often clever choice of lyrics. The production quality…imparts a warmth and coziness that perfectly suits the songs. You feel like Anthony’s singing the song just for you.” – South of Mainstream.com
“Begins with lots of promise and never lets up…Gritty, gutsy rocking with smooth vocals and infectious backbeats…I love the twists and turns of tempo and style on this album…oughtta be a classic.” – Mike Plumbley, Ragamuffin Radio
Anthony will be performing solo acoustic shows throughout 2013, and plans on playing several shows with a full band to support the release of Between the Rungs.