Neville, Aaron
Verve, 2003, CD
Instrument: Male Vocals
Issue: 9.4
Jazz Ruler Type: Ballads, Blues
Performance: 4+
Sound: 4+
Score: 
O’s Notes: Apply Aaron’s luscious falsetto vocals to jazz standards and you get a different twist on jazz ballads. Ah yes, it’s a nice twist unless of course Aaron’s signature is not your cup of tea. The opener “Summertime” includes some harmonized overdubs that feel just right. It’s truly jazzy with the rhythm section anchored by Ron Carter (b) and Grady Tate (d). There is also nice work on piano from Rob Mounsey. Roy Hargrove (t), Michael Brecker (sax) and Anthony Wilson (g) flesh out the band. Neville teams up with Linda Ronstadt on a very nice arrangement of “The Very Thought of You”. The song selection plays well to Aaron. Bluesy songs like “Cry Me A River” and “Come Rain or Come Shine” fall into his zone. Different, yes, but good. We hope to hear more.
