The Big Easy in Buffalo
Cyril Neville
Whether you listen to Cyril Neville's music or soak it in live, prepare to be both educated and entertained. On one hand you see an artist who can interpret and cover songs with a style and energy that renders them, in many cases, superior to the original renditions of the songs. On the other hand, his original material bears witness to the experiences, influences, and other forces that have shaped who he is today. You hear a man who has witnessed and was subject to numerous incidents of racial hatred and oppression. You hear the realization of personal and musical identity, a man who honors the musical and cultural traditions of his native New Orleans, as well as those he has encountered in various forms around the world.
New Orleans' Offbeat magazine refers to Cyril as ". . .a prophet, keeper of the flame, poet, archivist, musical alchemist, community leader, historian and very much an artist to amaze, educate and entertain." His sound is not easy to define and neither is Cyril Neville's life. It celebrates the best of New Orleans musical culture and reminds us of the worst of our social injustices. And on the most basic human level it moves our musical soul. Cyril is a passionate performer with a voice doesn't just sing, it preaches. On occasion he even speaks of live performances as "street church". His personal street has been long, hard and winding. Musically, we are all richer as a result.
Listen to Cyril Neville: http://www.cyrilneville.com/neville/ (hit the "music" link)
Band website: http://www.cyrilneville.com/neville/