Review: Ivan Neville ‘Touch My Soul’
By Mike O’cull
New Orleans standard bearer Ivan Neville keeps the funk alive on his brand-new solo album Touch My Soul.
The record drops April 21st, 2023 thanks to Mascot Label Group / The Funk Garage and is Ivan’s first solo record in almost 20 years. Neville developed the songs on Touch My Soul from piano pieces he composed in his home in Uptown New Orleans and tracked them on top of drum loops inspired by the great Sly Stone. Then, he brought in an all-star guest list of family and friends including Aaron Neville, Cyril Neville, Bonnie Raitt, Michael McDonald, Trombone Shorty, Dave Shaw, Ben Jaffe, Charlie Gabriel, and Doyle Bramhall II to add their own brands of magic to the proceedings. The resulting record is a life-affirming blast of modern American music that could only have emerged from the Crescent City.
Ivan Neville is true New Orleans music royalty. His DNA is descended from two of the most important bands to ever come out of The Big Easy, namely The Meters and The Neville Brothers. He’s the son of legendary vocalist Aaron Neville and a nephew to Art, Charles, and Cyril Neville. Of course, he’s played with both groups. His family solidified the culture of Black New Orleans into a sound and an identity that’s become globally acclaimed and will never be forgotten.
Neville also works routinely with some of the finest musicians of our time. He’s performed with The Rolling Stones, Keith Richards, Bonnie Raitt, Don Henley, Robbie Robertson, Ani DiFranco, and the Spin Doctors. He plays ferocious funk with Dumpstaphunk, an absolutely brilliant live act, and carries with him a personal style informed by Professor Longhair, Dr. John, James Booker, and everything else that’s great about his hometown.
Touch My Soul opens with the steady-grooving and socially relevant “Hey All Together.” It’s a funky, mid-speed track about the racial divisions in American society and the feelings of connection and mutual respect that have been lost. Aaron Neville, Bonnie Raitt, Michael McDonald, Trombone Shorty, and Dave Shaw contribute vocals to the song. The sound of their familiar voices singing together creates a sense of community, which was Ivan’s intention from the start. It’s a deeply spiritual number that delivers messages many of us need to hear but might not if they weren’t set to a beat.
“Greatest Place On Earth” is the record’s lead single and pays joyful tribute to the music, people, food, and culture of New Orleans. It’s a dance-inducing gem full of second line rhythms, sparkling horns, and crazy good vocals. Trombone Shorty, Ben Jaffe, and Charlie Gabriel assist Neville in blowing the party wide open and it’s clear that anyone within earshot is invited. It’s an outstanding example of one of the most powerful regional sounds to ever come out of the USA and will quickly get you thinking about attending Mardi Gras. If this doesn’t move you, consult a physician.
“Greatest Place On Earth”
Doyle Bramhall II drops some rocking guitar parts on the uptempo jam “Dance Music Love.” Hearing him wail over Neville’s aggressive groove is free cheese for music lovers and the lyrics speak about living the Golden Rule and holding on to hope for the future. Here and across the album, Ivan’s vocal tones are wiser and more intensely passionate than any he’s ever sung and they say a lot about the levels of musicality and humanity he’s attained.
Neville’s emotional title cut “Touch My Soul” has a gospel heart and spotlights his shining voice and delicate piano work. He speaks his Truth in a profound way and will make you believe it, too. Other bits of greatness on Touch My Soul include “Blessed” and “Pass It All Around.” Ivan Neville is an authentic American musical treasure not to be missed when he comes to town and this new album needs to be part of your life. Full stop.
Pre-order Touch My Soul Here
Great album. Don’t forget to mention that Ivan Neville was also part of Rufus on their excellent 1983 “Seal In Red”.