New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Blue Note Records) Iconic soul/R&B vocalist
Aaron Neville has announced a deal with EMI's Blue Note Records and will release a full-length album this Fall. The record, produced by
Keith Richards and Blue Note Records President Don Was, is a collection of classic material from the doo-wop era. "Aaron Neville is one of the most expressive and soulful artists of all time...it's such a thrill to hear him sing," Was says. "His vocals have a way of reaching into your heart and stirring something really deep inside. It's a huge honor to welcome him to Blue Note Records and to be involved, along with the legendary Keith Richards, in the production of this album."
All of the tracks were hand-picked by Neville himself as they are songs that have remained close to his heart since he was a child. "When I was a kid, doo-wop was like medicine to me," Neville explains. "I didn't care what else was goin' on in the world as long as I could sing along with Pookie Hudson and The Spaniels, The Flamingos, The Clovers,
Sonny Til and The Orioles, Clyde McPhatter—I was like a kid in a candy store."
A stellar group of session players was assembled to lay down these tracks. In addition to
Keith Richards on guitar other musicians include: Greg Leisz on guitar (Beck, Sheryl Crow, Bob Dylan, Ryan Adams), Benmont Tench on organ (founding member of
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers),
George G. Receli on drums (Bob Dylan,
James Brown), and Tony Scherr on bass (Bill Frisell, Norah Jones,
Rufus Wainwright). Richards sheds some light on the atmosphere in the studio as he explains, "This was a dream session. The band fell right into the groove and
Aaron sang like an angel. It was an honor!"
During Neville's five decade recording career, he has displayed a chameleon-like ability to perform, collaborate and contribute to a wide range of genres. From the funky soul and R&B cuts with the Neville Brothers to a triple platinum, Grammy winning duet with
Linda Ronstadt in 1989, "Don't Know Much" (off an album the duo received two Grammys for), to the title track of 1993's The Grand Tour which put Neville on the Country charts for the first time, to his several Gospel records including his most recent project, I Know I've Been Changed in 2010.
AARON NEVILLE QUINTET TOUR DATES:
June 23 - Greensboro, NC - Carolina Theatre
June 24 - Norfolk, VA - 23rd Annual Bayoo Boogaloo
June 26 - Charlottesville, VA - Paramount Theatre
June 28 - New Orleans, LA - House of Blues
June 30 - Beverly, MA - North Shore
Music Theatre
July 13 - Park City, UT - Big Stars, Bright Nights
July 14 - Boulder, CO - Chautauqua Auditorium
July 15 - Arvada, CO - Arvada Center Amphitheater
August 4 - Charleston, WV - Multi-Fest WV
August 5 - Washington, DC - The
Howard Theatre
August 7 - Ponte Vedra, FL - Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
August 8 - Orlando, FL - The Plaza Theatre Live
August 10 - Mobile, AL - Saenger Theatre
August 11 - Atlanta, GA - Atlanta Botanical Gardens