The Neville Bros: Walkin' In the Shadow of Life

[DudeAsInCool]

The Neville Brothers

Walkin' In The Shadows Of Life

(Back Porch Records)

Okay, yeah, you want your Neville Brothers served up funky-not too much smoothin' out the edges. Well you've got it with Walkin' In The Shadows Of Life, a real deal Nevilles CD that harkens to the past and is production-wise, attitude-wise and head-wise of today. Recorded in the brothers' own Neville Neville Land studio on Canal Street and produced by Aaron's son, keyboardist Ivan Neville, and Milton Davis, the disc has the hands-on feel and sound that convinces that this is the album the group wanted to make. There's no "Hey, how about doin' this or that" vibe from a record company or producer that doesn't have a clue. Even the softer tunes like "Your Life (Fallen Soldier)" has guts.

The funk is in from the start on the title track. It's the Nevilles all the way complete with Art's big B-3, the get-down groove and individualized lyrics. Yet there are added musical goings-on beneath the surface. Like most of the material, it blossomed from a collaboration of composers. In this case, Art and his son, guitarist Ian, Ivan and producer/guitarist/bassist/programmer Davis take credit. Throughout, different combinations of Nevilles and others, including Bono with Cyril on "Kingdom Come," contribute the original material.

It's this kind of all for one spirit that prevails on the disc with the group sound-the Neville sound - taking precedence over individual endeavors. The resulting harmonies and integration of the instruments rule. There aren't many (any?) funk bands that boast the huge vocal talents found within the Neville Brothers band. That aspect looms large when the ensemble takes on the Temptations' "Ball of Confusion." The vocal arrangements and execution kill on this classic and its release as a breakout single has had people talking. Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews throws his trumpet in with Charles' sax for a great big sound.

Besides deep funk, the Neville Brothers are identified by their lyrics of social consciousness. Naturally, that quality continues here. Particularly poignant and personal moments include the questions asked in "Junkie Child" and lyrics like "This young man has no plans, skulls and bones is all he knows" of "Carry the Torch." Again, the Nevilles brew up funk beats with hard truths laced with hope.

Spiritual finales also mark Neville Brothers' performances. Fans will certainly be moved by the stirring, autobiographical tune, simply called "Brothers." As each takes a verse and then as their voices come together on the chorus, the song soars. To close, the Nevilles turn once again to the isle of Jamaica and reggae's natural mix of rhythm and message with Aaron's soulful visit to the Melodians' "Rivers of Babylon."

Walkin' In The Shadows Of Life is a family album with the brothers embracing their entity as a whole. True to themselves, their roots, talents and grit, the Neville Brothers have released the album many have been waiting for.

-Geraldine Wyckoff

From their website:

http://www.nevilles.com/chat/messages/2000.html