Aaron Neville has recruited by Keith Richards and Don Was to produce his new album which will be released under his new deal with Blue Note Records this Fall.The record will be a collection of classic material from the doo-wop era. "Aaron Neville is one of the most expressive and soulful artists of all time...it's such a thrill to hear him sing," Was says. "His vocals have a way of reaching into your heart and stirring something really deep inside. It's a huge honor to welcome him to Blue Note Records and to be involved, along with the legendary Keith Richards, in the production of this album."
All of the tracks were hand-picked by Neville himself as they are songs that have remained close to his heart since he was a child. "When I was a kid, doo-wop was like medicine to me," Neville explains. "I didn't care what else was goin' on in the world as long as I could sing along with Pookie Hudson and The Spaniels, The Flamingos, The Clovers, Sonny Til and The Orioles, Clyde McPhatterI was like a kid in a candy store."
A stellar group of session players was assembled to lay down these tracks. In addition to Keith Richards on guitar other musicians include: Greg Leisz on guitar (Beck, Sheryl Crow, Bob Dylan, Ryan Adams), Benmont Tench on organ (founding member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), George G. Receli on drums (Bob Dylan, James Brown), and Tony Scherr on bass (Bill Frisell, Norah Jones, Rufus Wainwright). Richards sheds some light on the atmosphere in the studio as he explains, "This was a dream session. The band fell right into the groove and Aaron sang like an angel. It was an honor!"
AARON NEVILLE QUINTET TOUR DATES:
June 23 Greensboro, NC - Carolina Theatre
June 24 Norfolk, VA - 23rd Annual Bayoo Boogaloo
June 26 Charlottesville, VA - Paramount Theatre
June 28 New Orleans, LA - House of Blues
June 30 Beverly, MA - North Shore Music Theatre
July 13 Park City, UT - Big Stars, Bright Nights
July 14 Boulder, CO - Chautauqua Auditorium
July 15 Arvada, CO - Arvada Center Amphitheater
August 4 Charleston, WV - Multi-Fest WV
August 5 Washington, DC - The Howard Theatre
August 7 Ponte Vedra, FL - Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
August 8 Orlando, FL - The Plaza Theatre Live
August 10 Mobile, AL - Saenger Theatre
August 11 Atlanta, GA - Atlanta Botanical Gardens