Nature Boy: The Standards Album

Aaron Neville

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 26, 2003)
• Original Release Date: July 1, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Verve
• ASIN: B000094T55
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #116,184 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
New Orleans crooner Aaron Neville is known for many things: he first scored an R&B hit with "Tell it Like it Is" in the '60s; his duets with Linda Ronstadt have exposed him to wider audiences; and he sings with his siblings in the Neville Brothers. Produced and arranged by keyboardist Rob Mounsey, the material is culled from a variety of pop and jazz standards. With a rhythm section consisting of bassist Ron Carter, drummer Grady Tate, and guitarist Anthony Wilson, Neville puts his Crescent City charm on old favorites such as "Danny Boy" with guitarist Ry Cooder; "Since I Fell For You" with his saxophonist brother, Charles Neville; and a silken rendition of "Cry Me a River" with tenor sax titan Michael Brecker. Ms. Ronstadt guest stars on "Blame It on My Youth," with Roy Hargrove providing the creamy Clifford Brown-tones. Even as he sings Gershwin's "Summertime" as a reggae number, Aaron Neville's vivid voice echoes the eternal tones of the late Benny Carter's vibrato-rich alto sax sound. One question: Why wasn't this done before? --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Aaron Is Back, October 18, 2003

By	Erik North (San Gabriel, CA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

R&B legend Aaron Neville's return to the recording studio with NATURE BOY finds him mining, as a lot of modern-day pop and R&B artists have done for some time, the Great American songbook. For this project, though, Aaron seems to mine a jazz sound less akin to the World War II era and more to the 1960s, and the tactic, works quite well. Among the musicians onboard for this album are Ry Cooder, Roy Hargrove, Michael Brecker, and jazz drumming great Grady Tate (the latter of whom worked on Wes Montgomery's classic 1967 album A DAY IN THE LIFE).

His version of "Summertime", from Gershwin's great American opera "Porgy And Bess", is one of the best this warhorse has ever received. He also invites his longtime duet partner Linda Ronstadt in for a wonderful rendition of "The Very Thought Of You." And although we've had many fine versions of such classics as "Our Love Is Here To Stay", "Since I Fell For You", and "Come Rain Or Come Shine", Aaron puts his signature mark on those too. In the way these twelve songs have been arranged and performed, they don't seem old, but they retain their timelessness nonetheless. This is easily one of the best such Great American Songbook revival projects out there, and merits the five-star rating.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome...one of his best!!, September 1, 2003

By	"asiedentopf" (Northern California, USA) - See all my reviews

My wife and I just saw Aaron and his Bros in concert last week and I can say the songs on this album he did were fantastic. You will love every track. It was great to hear Linda and Aaron's voices together again. The music, the lyrics, we play it all the time.

If you ever have a chance to see Aaron or the whole family in person...don't miss it!!

We are Neville Bros fans forever.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Natural Sophistication, September 15, 2003

By A Customer

I have not always been a fan (although he sings perfectly, he normally sings in a range that's a little high for my personal taste). However, this album has confirmed my interest. The material selection is flawless, and the arrangements are sophisticated, interesting and natural. The Ronstadt pairing works very well. While the album is relaxing, it keeps you very engaged. I highly recommend this album.