Customer Reviews

Brother's Keeper

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As the title suggests, "Brother's Keeper" mixes social awareness and messages of hope and tolerance with the Neville Brothers' usual eclectic collection of grooves. It's music that you can dance and sing to, but it also makes you aware that there's a world out there that isn't always pretty. And it urges the listener to get involved in that world.

The best example of socially aware funk is "Brother Jake," which laments the death of a character claimed by the streets. It rocks powerfully, with a gospel tinge, but there's nothing mindless about it. It's a strong portrait of a tough world that takes lives.

"Sons and Daughters" tiptoes toward rap. Charles Neville's powerful oration warns us not to forsake the young people, our lifeblood, whom he says are "being led to the slaughter." It's an indictment of indifference to the rifts in society that could one day blow it apart. At the end it strays from the spoken word, mixing in a spare, powerful guitar and Charles' voice rising toward song with the words, "You can't stop/running water/You can't hide/the fire that burns inside..."

There's also balladry that gives Aaron Neville a chance to display his unique sense of soul and his wonderful falsetto, in "Fearless." "Jah" delivers a reggae feel, and the title cut blends another testimony by Charles with the biblical admonition to "be my brother's keeper, though he be strong or weaker. I got to lend a helping hand."

For straight-ahead gospel, there's "Steer Me Right," which shows off the band's on-the-money harmonies and straight-from-the-gut emotion.

Listening to a Neville Brothers release is like dropping by on a warm Friday evening to hang out with a great group of friends who are never boring and who have a million ways to deliver a point. This is a neglected release, but it shouldn't be. Pick it up and enjoy a few grooves packed with a message.

It's the Saturday of the week of Hurricane Katrina. I was listening to the community radio station in Boulder/Denver last night, KGNU.org. And I heard the most stunning song, that I came to learn was "Sons and Daughters" from "Brother's Keeper."
I came to this site, and appreciated what the reviewer Tyler from Denver said about the song, how it's an "indictment of indifference to the rifts in society that could one day blow it apart."
It appears that day has arrived.
Thankfully we have artists like the Neville Brothers to help us through.
I'm looking forward to hearing this entire CD.

I test music purchases in a simple way. You hear 1 good song, think about buying, but too many things just have 1 good cut. 2 good songs, OK, maybe a good bet, worth a shot. 3 good songs, drop down your hard earned money. Any more than that, you better not wait it might go out of print. With Brother Blood, Sons & Daughters My Brothers Keeper, and the absolutely great Fearless, this is a must buy.

I first became aware of The Neville Brothers back in 1976. They provided backup for the Wild Tchoupitoulas, a traditional New Orleans Indian group. After discovering their unique vocal harmonies and intricate Afro/Latin/Cajun rhythms I became hooked. Then in 1989 they teamed up with Canadian producer Daniel Lanois on the phenomenally successful "Yellow Moon". That album earned The Nevilles and Lanois their first Grammy. "Brother's Keeper" followed in the footsetps of "Yellow Moon" but somehow didn't get swept up with the momentum and failed to gain traction with critics and fans alike. Dispite poor record sales and marginal reviews "Brothers Keeper" is, in my opinion a more cohesive and satisfing work. Unlike the dreamy "soundscapes" created by Lanois, there's a more traditional "Crescent City" flavor to it. "Brother's Keeper" could easily be mistaken for a much earlier work. If you listen to seminal recordings by the great Professor Longhair, Fats Domino or even Dr John you'll know what I mean.

Like a truly tasty gumbo, there's a whole lot of blending of hot and savory spices that go into this fine dish. Proof enough can be heard in the rock steady groove of "Brother Jake", "Steer Me Right" or the reggae classic "Jah Love". There's also the sweet gospel soul of "Witness" and "My Brother's Keeper". And to be sure they manage to cover all the bases, the brothers positively tare up the old rock-a-billy classic, "Mystery Train". There's enough passion and soul on this track to drive back Katrina and send her into the Gulf of Mexico. Finally to demonstrate their unparalled varsatility, listen to Brother Aaron deliver the most heartfelt, moving version of Leonard Cohen's beautiful composition "Bird On a Wire"....What depth! What feeling! Wow!

Yes, the Nevilles have earned their place as bonified New Orleans legends. "Yellow Moon" may have opened the door to those unfamiliar to their sound, but "Brother's Keeper" will open your ears and your mind to an even more complex and diverse understanding of "What it means to be from New Orleans". Thank you brothers Art, Charles, Aaron and Cyril.

There's a lot of references to family on this record. They're not just talking about their own brotherhood, but that of the world. The title is a Biblical reference--and a moral dilemma. Are we our brothers' keepers? Listen to the music to hear this legendary group's answers. The music's heart wrenching and uplifting. Another great job by a legendary family that I'd call brothers of my heart.

Early Nevilles at their best. There's a little something for everyone on this one. Enjoy.

This CD has a diverse set of music around a common theme. It's great music and thought provoking social commentary at the same time. One of my all time favorites.