The Nevilles Close Vibes 2008

Reminiscent of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the closing set of the 2008 Gathering of the Vibes is by New Orleans legends the Neville Brothers. Keeping their first several songs to a maximum of 5 to 6 minutes each, their set moves nicely through "Fiyo on the Bayou" and "Tipitina". "Tipitina", a Professor Long Hair original is set to a fast dynamic tempo with a dominant bass guitar. "Fever" is covered by Aaron Neville on vocals with his smooth velvet like voice. "Big Chief" (Professor Longhair) is poised mid set with roaring conga playing by Cyril Neville.

"Everybody Plays the Fool" and "Tell It Like it Is" are two standards from Aaron Neville repertoire that are well received.


"It Don't Mean a Thing" (a nice choice in my opinion) is arranged with a latin groove followed by the highly syncopated "Giacamo" and "Filo Gumbo". "Yellow Moon" is set to a reggae beat, with sultry saxophone work by Charles Neville. "When You Go to New Orleans" features thick slap bass guitar playing and funks it way to the close of the set. The official last song of the evening is a tender rendition of "Amazing Grace" tastefully done by Aaron Neville. The song transitions into a cover of Bob Marley's "One Love".