Neville Brothers
Yellow Moon

THE REVIEW

The Neville Brothers were an R & B, Soul, and Jazz group that was formed in 1976 in New Orleans. The band consisted of Aaron Neville, who was the singer and also pursued a solo career over the years, Art Neville the keyboardist, Cyril Neville on drums, Charles Neville the guitarist, and Ivan Neville on bass.

The Neville Brothers, a group that throughout their long career often saw the band members come to disagreements. Within the band, there were always misunderstandings between the brothers. They argued about everything, song titles, arrangements, album covers. Paradoxically, these issues proved beneficial during the recording of the album.

In 1989 the Neville Brothers released 'Yellow Moon', their best album. The record features various music genres, resulting in a sound so unique that no one has been able to classify it yet. 'Yellow Moon' is one of those records that defies any definition, unique in its kind. An album with a truly intense, unique sound. Consisting of songs that move and enchant with their beauty. Despite the various misunderstandings among the Neville brothers, what emerged was a masterpiece.

Within the album, there are continuous references to pagans, the beliefs of indigenous tribes. Prayers to various deities. Continuous references also to the animals that these populations regard as deities and thus respect. The Neville Brothers embraced these elements, respecting the origins of each group member. The album is produced by Daniel Lanois, who also plays keyboards on the record, and during the recordings, makes important decisions on how to arrange and compose the songs. Throughout the album, Lanois's genius touch can be heard. Lanois himself stated that he was surprised by the band's prowess, and especially by the genuinely original sound that was emerging during the album's recordings. The Neville Brothers, in collaboration with Lanois, formed a perfect team that brought this jewel to life. Aaron himself revealed in an interview that he had deep admiration and esteem for Lanois.

The album opens with ''My Blood', where Lanois's touch is already evident, with keyboards in the background that remain present throughout the track. Aaron Neville's splendid voice enchants. The album includes two covers by Bob Dylan, a master for the Neville Brothers, 'With God On Our Side' and 'The Ballad Of Hollis Brown' executed very well by the band. 'A Change Is Gonna Come', the most beautiful song of the album, is a cover of Sam Cooke, a classic. Here Aaron truly reaches perfection, singing in an excellent manner with infinite sweetness. He puts heart and passion into it, resulting in a splendid track. 'Sister Rosa' is a tribute to Rosa Parks, who fought for the freedom and independence of black people. A person who meant a lot to the Neville Brothers. Beautiful 'Voodoo' which discusses indigenous beliefs. 'Wake Up' has a very fitting rhythm with an impressive Lanois.

A wonderful album for a band that, through musical language, was able to tackle sensitive topics such as the slavery of indigenous people and the mistreatment they suffered. The deities and customs of various people and tribes. Their habits, but mostly the 'yellow moon', a fundamental element for them.