Tragedy first came to the Neale family on August 3rd, 2007 when the Haydain was struck by a car while riding his Vespa scooter. This accident left the singer in critical condition, and a subsequent coma. In April of 2008, word came from The Toronto Star that Neale was awake and involved in rehabilitation efforts. Apparently, he was not only learning to talk again, but he was also learning how to sing. Having recorded tracks for a new album shortly before the accident, it seemed possible, that perhaps Neale was well under way to recovering his personal and professional well-being. Unfortunately though, Neale never sang in public again. This had less to do with the aftermath of his Vespa accident, and more to do with an unexpected bout of lung cancer. Personally, Neale is survived by his loving wife and his teenage daughter. Musically, he is survived by jacksoul’s fifth studio album, SOULmate. The album, which consists of tracks recorded over two years ago, is slated for a December 1st release. As a display of respect for the Neale family, the band has yet to release an official statement about how they plan to promote the album.
Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Neale grew up in a poor, government-sponsored housing project. Despite a lack of money, there was always a wealth of musical influences in the Neale household: reggae, opera, classical, calypso, jazz, R&B, and whatever pop songs he could tune into on the radio. Haydain recalls waking in the morning with strains of eclectic melody ringing in his head. These were songs that had fused overnight, and were born of the various influences that he absorbed at home.
Neale eventually headed to the University of Guelph to study Biology. But by 1994, he had dropped his studies altogether. By then he had already found his true calling, though his role as a jazz vocalist during his off-hours. By 1996, the five-member, soul-pop hybrid jacksoul had released their debut album, Absolute. Their unique blend of R&B, soul, and pop drew an equally eclectic fan-base. By defining their sound without attachments to specific genres, jacksoul had found their niche.
Around this time Neale expressed his philosophy of “taking everything I think is great about music and adding a little something." Posted on his agent Chris Smith’s website, Neale expressed himself as "a perfect example of someone who appreciates music and tried to surround himself with good musicians and learn from those people, putting together something that's totally funky for the new millennium." That distinctive, funky sound was exactly what caught the ears of the Juno committee, who in 2001 awarded Best R&B/Soul Recording to jacksoul’s 2nd studio album, Sleepless.
What made Haydain Neale’s songs special to his fans was a combination of his fusion melodies and his vulnerable lyrics. They pay tribute to the love, hope, and kindness he experienced in his own life, the marriage he cherished with Micheala, the need for spirituality in a dark world, and the ability to push forward when things became tough. Neale made no apologies for optimistic views, stating simply, “This is the world that I bought into, and this is the world I'm selling.” His affirmative attitude and outlook was an inspiration to colleagues and friends.
Neale had a lot of fans among his contemporaries, and since the announcement of his death, expressions of grief and support have poured from all facets of the Canadian Music Scene. Grieg Nori, Nettwerk producer and former frontman for Treble Charger, recalled Neale as “an extremely, extremely generous person…I never saw the guy get mad. He only had positive energy about him.” Other colleagues, including Jian Gomeshi of CBC Radio’s Q, described the lasting impression of Neale’s integrity and gentleness. “Haydain was an exceptional soul”, said Gomeshi on-air Tuesday morning. “He was sunshine, he was smarts, he was artistry, and he was a leader…this is a sad day for Canada.”
Impressive as Neale’s positive influence on others has been, perhaps even more remarkable was his capacity to understand and express himself without pretension. Liner notes written by Neale in 2006’s mySOUL expressed his appreciation for his talent and profession. “I think music can heal and educate,” expressed Neale. “If jacksoul never makes another recording, I'll always be proud that our music was a positive force for not just love between couples, but love of self, community and the world.”
Upon hearing the news of Neale’s untimely death, I recalled seeing jacksoul perform three years ago, and how I felt the event was something magical. Not only was the live music as pure and full as it sounded on any recorded album, but the energy in the space where they performed was palpable.
When they were invited to the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival in 2006, the stage was set up in the back courtyard of an upscale hotel. Everyone was aware of the openness of the area, of watching others and of being watched, but almost immediately after jacksoul began to play there was a noticeable relaxation amongst all. Haydain Neale swayed like a guru at the edge of the stage, calling people forward, drawing them near with his velvet rumble of a voice. By the end of the set, dozens of strangers were dancing together mere feet from Neale and his band mates. The “positive force” of their music was magic that night, and Neale was in the eye of that glorious storm.
Condolences or fond memories can be sent to the Neale family via HaydainNealefamily@gmail.com
