Aaron Neville - The Very Best of Aaron Neville

Possessor of one of contemporary music's most instantly recognizable voices, Aaron Neville has a recording career that spans nearly 40 years. While he started out as a bona fide purveyor of New Orleans-flavored R&B in the '60s, Neville has added his distinctive styling to pop fare in more recent years. Miraculously, even though he's recorded a diverse range of material--from Hoagy Carmichael's "Stardust" to a cover of the Originals' classic "The Bells"--Neville has lost none of his innate soulfulness. At last, there's a complete compilation that is a glorious testament to his skills as a vocal master. Thankfully, the original version of "Tell It Like It Is," Neville's 1967 R&B standard, is included here alongside his very first charted hit, 1960's "Over You." Neville's smash duet with Linda Ronstadt, "Don't Know Much" (1989), is naturally a standout, but equally impressive are tracks culled from the vocal stylist's four non-Christmas albums for A&M: "Don't Take Away My Heaven," a Louisiana workout of Chuck Berry's "You Never Can Tell"; the infectious "Angola Bound"; a beautiful reading of the Stylistics' "Betcha By Golly Wow"; and, as a bonus, a brilliant reading of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come," recorded with his brothers for the 1989 "Yellow Moon." An essential collection and a reminder of Neville's undeniable artistry. --David Nathan Amazon.com

The Best of Aaron Neville

It's always a pleasure to hear that wonderful voice of Aaron Neville.
No one else can put such emotion in a song. This was a great purchase. October 8, 2008

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The very best of Aaron Neville

The Very Best of Aaron Neville


SUPER GREAT September 26, 2007

Angelic Voice, Earthy New Orleans Funk

Aaron Neville, of New Orleans, he of the extraordinary, angelic voice, and the equally extraordinary five decade long career, is still making heavenly sounds today. His first big hit (and still his biggest), 1966's "Tell It Like It Is," reached Number 2 on the national charts. The strain of trying to distribute it bankrupted his tiny Louisiana label, Par Lo. He received his first Grammies, the recording industry's highest honor, for his 1989 duets with Linda Ronstadt. He's gotten 16 Grammy nominations since. He reacted to Hurricane Katrina's recent massive, tragic destruction of his home town by revving up his career again, giving numerous, world-wide benefit concerts.

Neville, of mixed black and American Indian heritage, was influenced by the Cajun music native to Louisiana. He also credits his famous vibrato to Gene Autry's yodeling; then cites several 1950's doowop groups, and various gospel groups for helping to form his sound. He was blessed, for sure, with his ethereal voice; also with three talented brothers, known as the Neville Brothers. And then with various talented nieces, nephews, and sons, all raring to go. I was once lucky enough to see him perform live, with the family, in New York's Central Park. The Brothers' earthy, funky sound works to bring his voice down from the churchy ether to the world where we mere mortals can catch our breath.

"The Very Best of Aaron Neville" mostly delivers on its promises, the sound is good, and it's a substantial introduction to, or summary of, the singer's work. On it, you'll find his first hit, "Over You." Diane Warren's melancholy yet jaunty "Don't Take Away My Heaven." Two Drifters hits, "Warm Your Heart," here given a barrelhouse piano barroom sound, and "Don't Go, Please Stay," a Ronstadt duet,that, as arranged by her and backed by the Grace Episcopal Choir, sounds just heavenly. Also a second duet with Ronstadt,"Close Your Eyes," a 1955 hit for the Five Keys. And a third Ronstadt duet, the Grammy-award winning "Don't Know Much," written by several Brill Building luminaries. A reggie-tinged version of "Everybody Plays The Fool," Main Ingredient's 1972 hit. Chuck Berry's Cajun-flavored "You Never Can Tell." George Jones's 1974 country hit, "Grand Tour." "Use Me," a Bill Withers tune, jazzier, funkier and sexier than the original. Two classic R & B ballads,"The Bells," co-written by Marvin Gaye, a 1970 hit for the Originals, and "Betcha By Golly, Wow," a 1972 hit for the Stylistics. Hoagy Carmichael's melodic evergreen "Stardust."

Then there's "Tell It Like It Is," of course, one of the great Southern soul classics, a torch song with pride, intelligence, and attitude. Neville and his brother Charles wrote "Angola Bound," traditional chain gang rhythm, modern treatment. Neville brother Cyril, and Aaron's son Jason play on the track, as do Bob Seger and Dr. John. Sam Cooke's yearning classic, "A Change Is Gonna Come," as backed by the Neville brothers, an anthem brought down to earth. Finally, there's Randy Newman's almost unbearably poignant "Louisiana 1927;" it will probably always speak for Katrina's recent victims.

June 5, 2007

Introduce someone to Aaron Neville!!

Since the 80's and 90's I became acquainted with Aaron Neville through music videos, and live performances. I remember "Everybody Plays a Fool", "Don't Take Away My Heaven" and my favorite video performance is "The Grand Tour". That is why I purchased the CD. I love the way he put his touch on this wonderful George Jones hit.

Everything on this CD is a classic example of the many voices and styles that Aaron Neville does. He doesn't need the music, and as they say in music....the voice is the instrument!

It takes a special performer to sing with Aaron Neville, and Linda Ronstadt does just that!! She duets on "Close Your Eyes" and "Don't Know Much." And as always, the greatest combination of voices is with the Neville Brothers on "A Change Is Gonna Come".

What is NOT here, but locate it on another CD is "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face". It is mesmerizing.


Relax and enjoy a wonderful collection! .....MzRizz
April 26, 2007

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