It actually took the death of their beloved mother Amelia in mid 1970's to bring these very diverse and talented brothers together to perform and record their music together. To this day they still each perform on their own as well as a group. Aaron is a very successful solo vocalist. Art with his band the Funky Meter. Cyril leads the band Uptown All Stars, and Charles recording a series of critically acclaimed jazz records. Talent abounds in this family.

The night was opened with “Fiyo on the Bayou” followed by a rollicking rendition of  “Love the One You’re With.”  Aaron then went into an incredible version of  “Fever” the likes of which I have never heard. I caught myself swept into the music singing, dancing and cheering along with the rest of the delighted audience. Brother Aaron, with the unmistakable, angelic, soulful, human saxophone voice, went into several songs that drove the crowd even wilder. His “Don’t Take Away My Heaven,” followed by, “Everybody Plays the Fool” proved that he still has the stuff to please and get the audience on their feet for ovation after ovation.

There were some folks just across the aisle from where I was sitting who just had to get up on their feet and dance in the aisle. The music moved Bonggo Beane and his wife Jacqueline to their feet to show us all how to do it right. Soon they were joined by a crowd of people who were as moved by the music as they were. As it turned out the tickets for tonight’s performance were a surprise birthday gift to Bonggo. His joy with the music was contagious and we were all happily infected. Bonggo, a very tall thin man, whose very apt nickname is “Stringbean” showed everyone how to get up and really dance with his lovely wife Jacqueline. As it turns out Bonggo is a musician himself (saxophone and piano) and his mother was born in New Orleans. Bonggo, grew up in Los Angeles and went to Jefferson High School, the alma matter of many talented music makers like Etta James, O.C. Smith, and so many more. The music spoke loudly and clearly to Bonggo, Jacqueline and all of us as well.

The night just kept crescendoing with each song that the Brothers Neville gave to us. Brother Charlie on sax blew us all away while brother Cyril on percussion, dubbed “The Soul Stirrer” definitely stirred our souls with his singing and playing. More songs, “Time Keeps on Slipping” (Into the Future) then Brother Art on keyboard hit us with “Sitting Here In Limbo” followed by a song that brought tears to my eyes, “Louisiana.” This song tells of the floods of Hurricane Katrina and how it almost washed Louisiana away, as well as the government’s lack of support in allowing it to be washed away. This now in the wake of the current Gulf of Mexico class 4 Hurricane Gustav which is expected to make landfall in Louisiana within the next day, I could only imagine how heavily this weighed on all of them, yet the show still went on. What a testament of their dedication to their music and us their Neville Nation.

Wrapping up the concert, the Neville Brothers with Aaron singing “Tell It Like It Is,” “Yellow Moon” and “When You Go To New Orleans, Don’t Forget Your Tambourine.” There were riffs played by each of the backup musicians, showcasing their musical mastery. The drummer, lead guitarist, bass player and keyboard player were the tightest backup band ever. Always right on and soooo funkaaay! As the final notes of the song were played, the crowd was already on their feet cheering, applauding and demanding more.

The Neville Brothers delivered an unforgettable encore. They performed “One Love” and then closed with a version of  “Amazing Grace” sung by brother Aaron and accompanied by brother Art quietly on organ. The house was so silent.  We were mesmerized with the emotion conveyed by the angelic, hypnotic sounds of Aaron and Art.

Folks rushed the stage with flowers and wanting a handshake, and just a little more. It was hard to feel we had enough. This performance will be a difficult one to top.  The night was exhilarating.

Thank you Neville Brothers and Spotlight 29. We the Neville Nation want more!!

For more exciting photos of the Neville Brothers taken by Catherine Jardine, click here.

For more about the Neville Brothers check their offficial website, click here.

For information about up coming events at Spotlight29 Casino, click here.