Funk Brothers Music

I knew nothing of this movie but was familiar with Johnny Pate's work from "Shaft in Africa." It has the same jazzy, big band feel but has several mellower pieces similar to cuts from "Trouble Man." The vocal theme by Adam Wade is beautiful. Not as many uptempo tracks as you expect but great music. This cd and "Blacula" have been two of my better purchases in the genre. Neither soundtrack I knew much about either. If you like the smooth sound of "Trouble Man," get this cd. Excellent!!

I knew nothing of this movie but was familiar with Johnny Pate's work from "Shaft in Africa." It has the same jazzy, big band feel but has several mellower pieces similar to cuts from "Trouble Man." The vocal theme by Adam Wade is beautiful. Not as many uptempo tracks as you expect but great music. This cd and "Blacula" have been two of my better purchases in the genre. Neither soundtrack I knew much about either. If you like the smooth sound of "Trouble Man," get this cd. Excellent!!

I knew nothing of this movie but was familiar with Johnny Pate's work from "Shaft in Africa." It has the same jazzy, big band feel but has several mellower pieces similar to cuts from "Trouble Man." The vocal theme by Adam Wade is beautiful. Not as many uptempo tracks as you expect but great music. This cd and "Blacula" have been two of my better purchases in the genre. Neither soundtrack I knew much about either. If you like the smooth sound of "Trouble Man," get this cd. Excellent!!

This CD has a diverse set of music around a common theme. It's great music and thought provoking social commentary at the same time. One of my all time favorites.

There's a lot of references to family on this record. They're not just talking about their own brotherhood, but that of the world. The title is a Biblical reference--and a moral dilemma. Are we our brothers' keepers? Listen to the music to hear this legendary group's answers. The music's heart wrenching and uplifting. Another great job by a legendary family that I'd call brothers of my heart.

As the title suggests, "Brother's Keeper" mixes social awareness and messages of hope and tolerance with the Neville Brothers' usual eclectic collection of grooves. It's music that you can dance and sing to, but it also makes you aware that there's a world out there that isn't always pretty. And it urges the listener to get involved in that world.

The best example of socially aware funk is "Brother Jake," which laments the death of a character claimed by the streets. It rocks powerfully, with a gospel tinge, but there's nothing mindless about it. It's a strong portrait of a tough world that takes lives.

"Sons and Daughters" tiptoes toward rap. Charles Neville's powerful oration warns us not to forsake the young people, our lifeblood, whom he says are "being led to the slaughter." It's an indictment of indifference to the rifts in society that could one day blow it apart. At the end it strays from the spoken word, mixing in a spare, powerful guitar and Charles' voice rising toward song with the words, "You can't stop/running water/You can't hide/the fire that burns inside..."

There's also balladry that gives Aaron Neville a chance to display his unique sense of soul and his wonderful falsetto, in "Fearless." "Jah" delivers a reggae feel, and the title cut blends another testimony by Charles with the biblical admonition to "be my brother's keeper, though he be strong or weaker. I got to lend a helping hand."

For straight-ahead gospel, there's "Steer Me Right," which shows off the band's on-the-money harmonies and straight-from-the-gut emotion.

Listening to a Neville Brothers release is like dropping by on a warm Friday evening to hang out with a great group of friends who are never boring and who have a million ways to deliver a point. This is a neglected release, but it shouldn't be. Pick it up and enjoy a few grooves packed with a message.

I test music purchases in a simple way. You hear 1 good song, think about buying, but too many things just have 1 good cut. 2 good songs, OK, maybe a good bet, worth a shot. 3 good songs, drop down your hard earned money. Any more than that, you better not wait it might go out of print. With Brother Blood, Sons & Daughters My Brothers Keeper, and the absolutely great Fearless, this is a must buy.

It's the Saturday of the week of Hurricane Katrina. I was listening to the community radio station in Boulder/Denver last night, KGNU.org. And I heard the most stunning song, that I came to learn was "Sons and Daughters" from "Brother's Keeper."
I came to this site, and appreciated what the reviewer Tyler from Denver said about the song, how it's an "indictment of indifference to the rifts in society that could one day blow it apart."
It appears that day has arrived.
Thankfully we have artists like the Neville Brothers to help us through.
I'm looking forward to hearing this entire CD.

This CD has a diverse set of music around a common theme. It's great music and thought provoking social commentary at the same time. One of my all time favorites.

There's a lot of references to family on this record. They're not just talking about their own brotherhood, but that of the world. The title is a Biblical reference--and a moral dilemma. Are we our brothers' keepers? Listen to the music to hear this legendary group's answers. The music's heart wrenching and uplifting. Another great job by a legendary family that I'd call brothers of my heart.

As the title suggests, "Brother's Keeper" mixes social awareness and messages of hope and tolerance with the Neville Brothers' usual eclectic collection of grooves. It's music that you can dance and sing to, but it also makes you aware that there's a world out there that isn't always pretty. And it urges the listener to get involved in that world.

The best example of socially aware funk is "Brother Jake," which laments the death of a character claimed by the streets. It rocks powerfully, with a gospel tinge, but there's nothing mindless about it. It's a strong portrait of a tough world that takes lives.

"Sons and Daughters" tiptoes toward rap. Charles Neville's powerful oration warns us not to forsake the young people, our lifeblood, whom he says are "being led to the slaughter." It's an indictment of indifference to the rifts in society that could one day blow it apart. At the end it strays from the spoken word, mixing in a spare, powerful guitar and Charles' voice rising toward song with the words, "You can't stop/running water/You can't hide/the fire that burns inside..."

There's also balladry that gives Aaron Neville a chance to display his unique sense of soul and his wonderful falsetto, in "Fearless." "Jah" delivers a reggae feel, and the title cut blends another testimony by Charles with the biblical admonition to "be my brother's keeper, though he be strong or weaker. I got to lend a helping hand."

For straight-ahead gospel, there's "Steer Me Right," which shows off the band's on-the-money harmonies and straight-from-the-gut emotion.

Listening to a Neville Brothers release is like dropping by on a warm Friday evening to hang out with a great group of friends who are never boring and who have a million ways to deliver a point. This is a neglected release, but it shouldn't be. Pick it up and enjoy a few grooves packed with a message.

I test music purchases in a simple way. You hear 1 good song, think about buying, but too many things just have 1 good cut. 2 good songs, OK, maybe a good bet, worth a shot. 3 good songs, drop down your hard earned money. Any more than that, you better not wait it might go out of print. With Brother Blood, Sons & Daughters My Brothers Keeper, and the absolutely great Fearless, this is a must buy.

It's the Saturday of the week of Hurricane Katrina. I was listening to the community radio station in Boulder/Denver last night, KGNU.org. And I heard the most stunning song, that I came to learn was "Sons and Daughters" from "Brother's Keeper."
I came to this site, and appreciated what the reviewer Tyler from Denver said about the song, how it's an "indictment of indifference to the rifts in society that could one day blow it apart."
It appears that day has arrived.
Thankfully we have artists like the Neville Brothers to help us through.
I'm looking forward to hearing this entire CD.

This CD has a diverse set of music around a common theme. It's great music and thought provoking social commentary at the same time. One of my all time favorites.

There's a lot of references to family on this record. They're not just talking about their own brotherhood, but that of the world. The title is a Biblical reference--and a moral dilemma. Are we our brothers' keepers? Listen to the music to hear this legendary group's answers. The music's heart wrenching and uplifting. Another great job by a legendary family that I'd call brothers of my heart.

As the title suggests, "Brother's Keeper" mixes social awareness and messages of hope and tolerance with the Neville Brothers' usual eclectic collection of grooves. It's music that you can dance and sing to, but it also makes you aware that there's a world out there that isn't always pretty. And it urges the listener to get involved in that world.

The best example of socially aware funk is "Brother Jake," which laments the death of a character claimed by the streets. It rocks powerfully, with a gospel tinge, but there's nothing mindless about it. It's a strong portrait of a tough world that takes lives.

"Sons and Daughters" tiptoes toward rap. Charles Neville's powerful oration warns us not to forsake the young people, our lifeblood, whom he says are "being led to the slaughter." It's an indictment of indifference to the rifts in society that could one day blow it apart. At the end it strays from the spoken word, mixing in a spare, powerful guitar and Charles' voice rising toward song with the words, "You can't stop/running water/You can't hide/the fire that burns inside..."

There's also balladry that gives Aaron Neville a chance to display his unique sense of soul and his wonderful falsetto, in "Fearless." "Jah" delivers a reggae feel, and the title cut blends another testimony by Charles with the biblical admonition to "be my brother's keeper, though he be strong or weaker. I got to lend a helping hand."

For straight-ahead gospel, there's "Steer Me Right," which shows off the band's on-the-money harmonies and straight-from-the-gut emotion.

Listening to a Neville Brothers release is like dropping by on a warm Friday evening to hang out with a great group of friends who are never boring and who have a million ways to deliver a point. This is a neglected release, but it shouldn't be. Pick it up and enjoy a few grooves packed with a message.

I test music purchases in a simple way. You hear 1 good song, think about buying, but too many things just have 1 good cut. 2 good songs, OK, maybe a good bet, worth a shot. 3 good songs, drop down your hard earned money. Any more than that, you better not wait it might go out of print. With Brother Blood, Sons & Daughters My Brothers Keeper, and the absolutely great Fearless, this is a must buy.

It's the Saturday of the week of Hurricane Katrina. I was listening to the community radio station in Boulder/Denver last night, KGNU.org. And I heard the most stunning song, that I came to learn was "Sons and Daughters" from "Brother's Keeper."
I came to this site, and appreciated what the reviewer Tyler from Denver said about the song, how it's an "indictment of indifference to the rifts in society that could one day blow it apart."
It appears that day has arrived.
Thankfully we have artists like the Neville Brothers to help us through.
I'm looking forward to hearing this entire CD.

Every old school collector needs to have this one in their collection. Not to collect dust but to share with the world.

All of the Isleys early work without the younger Isleys is just as good with them. But these early workouts are more raw-stripped down and pop-oriented. Ron Isley has a way of making country, and rock remakes sound like they were never before recorded. Not too many black artists can do that. To get a taste of the "Real Isleys" before the "Mr. Biggs" persona, get this with "Get into something", and "Givin' it back"

This album was a change of pace from all of the other soul albums of that day (heavier emphasis on lead guitar, covers of songs made famous by pop and country artists). It is awesome, especially their remake of "It's Too Late." A must for any true Isleys fan!

A completely good listen from beginning to end. The remakes of "Put a Little love in You Heart" and the title cut are pleasantly moving, as well as "Lay Away" and the better known "Work To Do" (this original version beats the Vanessa Williams remake by a mile)! An unknown classic is the haunting conclusion "Love Put Me on The Corner" which I defy anyone to listen to just once!

BROTHER BROTHER BROTHER is an album in which the Isleys soon-to-be platinum 3+3 formula really gels. Ernie, Marvin & Chris made appearances on previous T-Neck albums, but their talents were used to recycle way too many "It's Your Thing" riffs. This album blends the right amount of covers (the title track, "Sweet Season") and great original material ("Work To Do", "Layaway"). The 10 1/2 minute bluesy take on Carole King's "It's Too Late" is lively due to Ronald's soaring vocals and Ernie's wailing guitar. And the beautiful closer "Love Put Me On The Corner" is perhaps the first great original Isley ballad, and a huge improvement over the insipid ballads on the GET INTO SOMETHING album. BROTHER BROTHER BROTHER gave the Isley Brothers the sound that was used in full effect on their breakthrough album 3+3.

From the information I have read on this group, they were sort of an art form in NYC. Listening to them one would feel certain they are having a good time. However the listener might find their good time somewhat of a trial to listen to.