Nature Boy: The Standards Album
New Orleans crooner Aaron Neville is known for many things: he first scored an R&B; hit with "Tell it Like it Is" in the '60s; his duets withLinda Ronstadthave exposed him to wider audiences; and he sings with his siblings inthe Neville Brothers. Produced and arranged by keyboardist Rob Mounsey, the material is culled from a variety of pop and jazz standards. With a rhythm section consisting of bassistRon Carter, drummer Grady Tate, and guitarist Anthony Wilson, Neville puts his Crescent City charm on old favorites such as "Danny Boy" with guitaristRy Cooder; "Since I Fell For You" with his saxophonist brother, Charles Neville; and a silken rendition of "Cry Me a River" with tenor sax titanMichael Brecker. Ms. Ronstadt guest stars on "Blame It on My Youth," withRoy Hargroveproviding the creamyClifford Brown-tones. Even as he sings Gershwin's "Summertime" as a reggae number, Aaron Neville's vivid voice echoes the eternal tones of the late Benny Carter's vibrato-rich alto sax sound. One question: Why wasn't this done before?--Eugene Holley, Jr.