RECAP / PHOTOS: Aaron Neville @ House of Blues – 6/27/12

It was a fine, fine, super-fine Wednesday night in the New Orleans French Quarter this week, with the sun beneath it’s godly fence and the city crawlers out on their partying prowl. But what made it so nice wasn’t the moon nor the typical Bourbon street visitors, what brought the unbelievable pleasantry were the soothing coos and sensual vibes of New Orleans legend, Aaron Neville down at the House of Blues. And let me tell you something, when I say “sensual,” what I mean is down right sexy. Ladies, you know what I mean. Like music-lover Miner Johnson put it, “Aaron Neville is the reverser of menopause.”

As a performer, Aaron Neville is one of the smoothest, most natural stage presences out there, and as a musician, he’s simply a god. From his first album in 1965 to his last note on Wednesday night, Aaron Neville has been spinning dreams for millions of listeners with his velvet voice, which was surrounded last night with a perfect blend of drums, saxophone, keys and guitars. With a soul-touching group of his timeless originals accompanied by a gallery of his famous covers, such as “Everybody Plays the Fool” and “Ain’t No Sunshine,” Aaron Neville and his flawless crew brought nothing but the love for his purely admiring audience. And just when we thought the show was over and the worshiping was done, the band rallied the crowd into a “One More” roar, which was rewarded with the humbling, soft and spiritual rendition of “Amazing Grace” that ran seamlessly into “Goodnight Sweetheart.”

The show as a whole was truly something holy, something to be revered, and as Aaron was drawing the curtain of his perfectly-tailored voice, he crooned to the crowd again and again, “Sing it soft, because we love you.” Well, Mr. Neville, I say this as not only a music-lover, but as a creature of New Orleans as well – we love you too.

About the author

Can be your friend if you like words. Can probably be your friend even if you do not like words. Lives in New Orleans, looks for shade. Thanks Miner Johnson (@brahbrahbrah) for this prestigious career. You should thank him, too.

 

Tags: Aaron Neville, favorites, House of Blues