The Neville Brothers ‎"Tell It Like It Is" - Live at Storyville Jazz Hall, New Orleans.

Format:

Video

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

United States and Canada.

African Americans.

Musical performances.

Concerts.

Local Subjects:

United States and Canada.

African Americans.

Musical performances.

Concerts.

Genre:

Performance

Physical Description:

1 online resource (57 minutes)

Place of Publication:

Paris, Ile-de-France : Qwest TV, 2019.

Language Note:

In English.

Original language in English.

System Details:

video file

Summary:

Thirty years after the dazzling success of Yellow Moon, the brilliance of the Neville Brothers continues to shine in this concert film, recorded live in 1989 and released in 2019. Its televised broadcast is both a visual and auditory delight. Filmed in New Orleans under the musical direction of jazz icon Herbie Hancock, the film captures a moment of pure musical excellence from the Neville Brothers (Art, Charles, Cyril and Aaron). It’s a rare moment of pure grace, human communion and musical joy. More than a revival of a classic repertoire, this performance represents a reimagining of African American musical culture. It’s a contemporary interpretation of blues and gospel heritage, deeply sophisticated and yet easily accessible for even the casual listener. This renewed take on tradition is enriched by elements of hip-hop, rhythm and blues and soul, interspersed with bursts of jazz-funk improvisation. Aaron Neville’s exceptional vocal range soars with grace before coming back down to harmonize with the many special guests, including Daniel Lanois – the visionary producer behind Yellow Moon – and guitarist and composer John Hiatt. Admired by artists from the Rolling Stones to Peter Gabriel, the Neville Brothers brought New Orleans music to its highest expression. Their performance of George Davis and Lee Diamond’s track “Tell It Like It Is” would go on to become a global anthem. On stage, a predominantly Black ensemble performs for an almost exclusively White audience – a contrast that’s almost impossible to ignore. Was this a calculated image choice, or simply the result of ticket prices excluding much of Louisiana’s young Black audience? The question lingers, but does not diminish the artistic richness of the film. Aptly shot and elegantly paced, it is a true pleasure for the ears and retinas, and a concert film to return to again and again. Francisco Cruz

Notes:

Title from resource description page (viewed July 16, 2025).