Aaron Neville APACHE

Recording information: Studio G, Brooklyn, NY.
Photographer: Sarah A. Friedman.
The intro to "Be Your Man," the opening track and first single from Aaron Neville's Apache, commences with a driving, raucous funk groove reminiscent of Isaac Hayes' "Theme from Shaft." The 11-song set was cut in Brooklyn with Grammy-winning producer Eric Krasno and a band assembled from members of Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, the Budos Band, Lettuce, and Soulive. As a whole, it's a rowdier, grittier showcase of the great vocalist's skill than anything he's previously issued solo. There are fine ballads too, but vintage NOLA funk and R&B are the overall signatures here. ~ Thom Jurek

• Format: CD
• Genre: Pop