Cloudburst in Budapest (26 & 27 February 2008)
I was really enthusiastic about Neal`s solo acoustic shows in Budapest. I knew that I will see the most gifted progressive rock music writer and I did not have any particular expectations. I just knew that is going to be something memorable. I also knew that Neal is going to do Sing it high (for being so catchy to the public) and We all need some light (for the obvious reason). But I wished to hear Wind at my back (one of my all time spocks favorites) and Heaven in my heart. My dream came true in a fabulous manner: Neal opened the first night (26 February) with Wind at my back and closed the last night (27 February) with Heaven in my heart (after me and colourofair shouted for it 🙂 ). In each of the two days we arrived first at the show venue, with 2 hours in advance – in a baptist church in the center of the city and in a youth club downtown Budapest). We spoke with Neal and he seems such a nice guy. After the show we took pictures and he signed our collection of Neal cd`s that we brought and bought there. Unfortunately there were no T- shirts. 😦 Below is a picture with signed cd`s, the tour`s poster, bookmarks and a tag.
Here is the play-list for the first night show:
1. Wind at my back
2. Cloudburst
3. Psalm 23 [with family]
4. Glorious day [with family]
5. There is nothing God can`t change
6. Jailbreak
7. Cradle to the grave [with Will]
8. We all need some light
Neal`s Testimony
9. Sing it high
10. God won`t give up
11. Look what the Lord has done
12. Isaiah 60
Neal explained that he usually does not make a play-list but rather plays the song that he feels he should play (so I took notes as he was singing). He also had a really touching testimony about how he found God… and how God found him. The second night was also fantastic, Neal playing his guitar … On Sing it high with an extended guitar solo. The crowed was a bit more loud than at the church and we were all “clapping and singing along”.
The Hard Rock Magazine from Hungary states on its official homepage that for one day the city became the Center of the World: in the day when Neal played. You can see some pictures (and read an interview 😛 ) here.
You can also see some photos:
neal1, neal2, neal3, neal4, neal5.
Or two videos on you tube:
office of strategic contemplation 
