I expected this record to be a glossy mishap, but it is not. It is a killer. Aaron Neville's "My True Story" is a collection of old rock & roll and doo-wop tunes that Neville cites as the music that shaped him. Versions of "Money Honey," "Ruby Baby," "Gypsy Woman," "This Magic Moment" and "Be My Baby" all have that patented Neville croon, but what makes this collection shine is the sound of the record. Producers Don Was and Keith Richards nail it.
Warm, simple and full of the space you need to appreciate the players and the singer. It's also pretty damm cool that Don Was and Keef got hold of Eugene Pitt from The Jive Five, Dickie Harmon from the Del-Vikings and Bobby Jay from Little Anthony's Imperials to handle background vocals. Chills.
And speaking of production, if you've got a minute, hop on over to Burning Love? for a discussion about records that were destroyed in the mix.
8 comments:
Cool. And how about the rest of the band too - George Recile, Benmont Tench, man... great group, PLUS the Jive Five when they come in later. Thanks for focusing on this one Sal - I'll have to pick it up.
Thanks for telling me what my next purchase is. That clip sounded great. If it is as good as the clip then I really hope there is a second and third edition like Neville jokes about.
I was really excited about this when I saw the interview with Neville in this month's Mojo, and when I put it on for the first time this weekend, it didn't disappoint. It's one terrific record. He really finds the beauty in each song in ways in which the originals don't. Having said that, it also had me going back to the original versions, which often have a grit that is sometimes missing in Neville's take.
Love them both.
I love the fact that we have a current trend of newer artists producing nearly forgotten artists. This started when Rick Rubin brought in Johnny Cash and reignited his career. Last year alone had Jimmy Cliff, Dr. John, and Bobby Womack getting the same treatment. I love this because the artist/producer understands the older artist as a fan and what it took them to be popular in the first place. Thanks for the recommendation for Aaron Neville.
And don't forget Keith producing for Chuck Berry.
A preview stream here:
http://www.wfuv.org/npr/first-listen-aaron-neville-my-true-story
An interview with Aaron Neville about the album here:
http://www.wnyc.org/shows/lopate/
(see show of Jan 22)
Also worth checking out: "Rhythm, Country and Blues" that Don Was co-produced back in 94 with some great versions of classic songs, including a duet by Aaron Neville and Trisha Yearwood on "I Fall to Pieces".
Thanks for the heads up on this - looking forward to getting it.
I miss your "Street Date" section – always gave me something interesting to check out! Would never have found Carrie Rodriguez and a few others otherwise!
Thanks
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