Tell It like It Is was a major hit for Aaron Neville 45 years ago. Since then, he's carved a successful career in and out of the New Orleans-based Neville Brothers. With his build and tats he would look right at home on a prime-time wrestling show; but it's the
sound that matters, as he again lives up to the "voice of an angel", which has become his byline across the decades.
This new release, which also coincides with his recent New Zealand concerts, is a testament to his devotion to the gospel sound that he grew up with in New Orleans long before it became associated with Hurricane Katrina, which coincidentally robbed Neville of his home.
I Know I've Been Changed is simply a stunning set. Rich in demonstrating Neville's long relationship with the songs of Sam Cooke, Mississippi Fred McDowell, the Staples Singers, Odetta and Big Bill Broonzy.
But this isn't a traditional gospel record. Sure, Neville's voice, and the choir accompaniments may suggest that, but it's the work of producer Joe Henry and the musicians backing up that lift the songs to great heights. Special mention must go to Allen Touissant's exceptional piano work, and to the inspired and subtle interplay with Greg Leisz's Dobro guitar licks.
There's no need to single out individual tracks here. They all reach, in their own way, a special place. If you've ever heard Ben Harper with the Blind Boys of Alabama together on the 2004 album There Will be a Light, there's a close relationship with this new one. Suffice to say they're both brilliant.
