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Cyril Neville
DOB 01/10/48 Cyril Garrett Neville, Sr. aka C. Umbuku Neville Although the youngest of the Neville brothers, Cyril is probably the most active in the widest range of activities. He is the most political and outspoken brother, responsible for songs such as My Blood, Wake-Up, and Sister Rosa. Strongly influenced by soul music and reggae rhythms of the Caribbean, his contributions have enlivened the music produced by the Neville Brothers, and broadened their appeal. Cyril's parents were music lovers, and encouraged all of their children to get involved with music. His father, "Big Arthur" and his uncle (Big Chief Jolly), were both in the merchant marine, and used to bring home records from all over the world. Add to this mix older brothers Art and Charles, who were already involved as musicians while Cyril was growing up, and you have a rich musical environment that was a major influence. On Cyril's first album, which was dedicated to his mother and father, he gave special thanks to: "My brothers, for being my first teachers and mentors in all aspects of my life. Without them being who they are, I could never have been who I am today." Because Cyril and Aaron were closest in age, the two of them formed a special bond. Aaron would ask his younger brother if he wanted to go somewhere, and the two of them would jump on a bus to California with nothing between them except a few dollars and some food. At the age of 16, Cyril started keeping a diary of his experiences, with the intent of someday publishing them as memoirs. With the rich musical heritage that he grew-up in and then contributed to, this would be something any fan of the Nevilles would like to read. Cyril's professional start in music was in 1967, when he joined brothers Art and Aaron in the group Art Neville and the Neville Sounds. They played jobs around New Orleans, including a steady gig at the Nite Cap club. The group was offered a long-term job at a Bourbon Street club, but the stage was so small, Art had to let Cyril and Aaron go. Cyril and Aaron set out on their own, forming a group called Soul Machine. The song Gossip was Cyril's first recording. It appeared on the Josie label in 1970, backed with Tell Me What's On Your Mind. Brother Art's new band the Meters, had a contract with Josie, and provided backing for the recording. Allen Toussaint, who had previously worked with Art and Aaron, produced the record for Cyril. Around 1972, thinking their luck might be better outside New Orleans, Cyril and Aaron took Soul Machine to Nashville and then New York. Cyril didn't care for New York, and was disappointed when he saw Harlem and it didn't live-up to what he had heard about it. In New York, they teamed-up with brother Charles, and worked on Mardi Gras Indian songs they had learned from their uncle, Big Chief Jolly. Uncle Jolly and the Mardi Gras Indians had a big impact on Cyril. He found a true spiritual connection to the chants and hand drumming he was exposed to at the Indian practices. The Meters were a band that made syncopated funk music, perfect for dancing. Of the four albums they had released by 1972, only one included vocals. The Rolling Stones, impressed with what they had heard, asked the Meters to open the shows for their 1974 U.S. tour. Brother Art was concerned that the Meters did not have enough visual appeal to open large stadium shows. He thought Cyril would make the perfect addition to the Meters, playing conga drums and singing. Art called Cyril in New York, and asked him to return home and join the Meters. Although not officially a member of the Meters until their 1974 tour, Cyril had previously contributed to their 1972 release Cabbage Alley. By the time of 1975's Fire on the Bayou, he was a full-fledged member, providing writing, vocals and percussion skills. It was about this time that Cyril discovered Jamaican reggae music. He credits the Bob Marley and the Wailers record Natty Dread with changing his life. For 15 days, Cyril remained in a room, and listened to nothing but Marley's album. The experience enabled him to cleanse himself of his bad habits. He also discovered the underlying connection between the second-line rhythms of New Orleans and music of Africa and the Caribbean. Playing the conga drums is a spiritual experience for Cyril, and he has said that he thinks about Africa when he plays. By 1976, the Meters had broken up, and all of the brothers joined together for the Wild Tchoupitoulas album, which led to the formation of the Neville Brothers as a group. In 1983 Cyril formed the Endangered Species Band. When the New Orleans pianist James Carroll Booker III passed away, Cyril and his band took his regular place at the Maple Leaf club. Originally, as a tribute to Booker, with whom Cyril had been close, he called the band's music "Booker-Woogie." A few years later, Cyril started the Uptown Allstars band, with a sound that Cyril calls "Second-Line/Reggae." Cyril has toured Europe and Japan with his group. They released their first album in 1994 on Cyril's own Endangered Species label. Endangered Species was chosen as a name because Cyril felt that black males, especially those in the music business, are an endangered species. Besides being president of his own record label, leader of his own band, and member of the Neville Brothers, Cyril started New Orleans Musicians Organized (NOMO). The organization is dedicated to helping musicians of the city, who may be great with music, but need help with business skills in order to avoid being taken advantage of. He also lends his musical skill and knowledge to the rap group DEFF Generation, which includes several offspring of the Neville brothers. Umbuku, which Cyril calls his chosen name, means serious warrior. He would like to go to battle to prevent future injustices like the destruction of Louis Armstrong's boyhood home, and allowing individuals to capitalize on music of those that have passed on. In his travels, he discovered that the children in Europe know more about New Orleans music than the local children do. In fulfilling the African proverb that it takes a whole village to raise a child, Cyril would like to teach children about their musical heritage, thereby giving them hope for the future. Cyril feels the most important thing in his life is his family, and that being able to work with his brothers is a blessing.
This web page is not affiliated with the Neville Brothers or Neville Productions, Inc. No part of this material may be used for sale or solicition.Send corrections, additions or suggestions to: george_gerhold@usa.pipeline.comLast updated November, 1995
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