Neal Caine Daytime Gets Deeper

“WE MOSTLY COMMUNICATE THROUGH A nod or a glance,” says Neal Caine of his special musical camaraderie with multi-hyphenate bandleader Harry Connick Jr. “Harry and I have been playing together so long that we are like an old married couple,” he jokes.

- Jon D'auria

These days that bond is on display daily on national television, as Caine grabs the low reins of the mighty band backing Connick’s new afternoon talk show, Harry. A deft doubler with a ridiculous resumé, the 44-year-old bassist has seriously raised the already high bar in the world of TV bass.

A St. Louis native, Neal bolted south to New Orleans right out of high school in 1991 and quickly established himself as a premier player on the NOLA circuit, landing gigs with Ellis Marsalis, Nicholas Peyton, and other jazz heavyweights. When legendary drummer Elvin Jones came calling in ’94, Neal’s journey headed north to New York City, where he proceeded to make his mark big time in the Big Apple. Tours with Diana Krall and Betty Carter came next, before Caine landed his spot with Harry’s big band in 2000—recommended by previous bassist Ben Wolfe. He’s been there ever since. 

What drew you to the music of New Orleans?