Cyril Neville

(US)
funk, soul, blues, rap

Big on family, big on funk, big on soul, big on love, big on peace! That’s the motto of Cyril Neville’s 13 Tribe. In his latest band the youngest of New Orleans’ legendary Neville Brothers forges a holy trinity from the uniquely rich Big Easy tradition, some later black music styles and his socially and spiritually conscious lyrics.

Just over 60 now, Cyril Neville started singing and playing professionally in 1967 at 19 in his oldest brother Art’s Neville Sounds. Then he and his golden-throated bodybuilder brother Aaron founded Soul Machine. Sometimes they also sang back-up for Art’s new group, The Meters, which was simply one of the funkiest bands on the planet ever. As you might guess, before long Cyril joined The Meters full time as a percussionist/singer. When The Meters folded, it was natural that he continued with The Neville Brothers, as it was/is a kind of an extension of The Meters.

On the side Cyril has led his own bands Uptown All Stars, Endangered Species and 13 Tribe, making records with all three. 13 Tribe’s Healing Dance came out in 2007 and Cyril’s solo album Brand New Blues in 2009. You can also hear him on albums by Dr. John, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and Robbie Robertson, to name a few.