Aaron Neville Talks to Collingswood Patch About Saturday's Scottish Rite Concert

Aaron Neville, critically acclaimed singer and prominent member of the music community, will celebrate the holiday season right here in Collingswood.

Neville and his quintet will take the stage along with Charles Neville this Saturday, Dec. 18, at Collingswood's own Scottish Rite Auditorium.

Scottish Rite Auditorium Director Gerard "Jerry" Chambers is honored to give the stage to such a notable performer Saturday night.

"It is our pleasure to welcome such a brilliant performer who has warmed the hearts of so many for over five decades," Chambers said on behalf of the borough and the Scottish Rite.

An annual tradition, the concert—Christmas with Aaron Neville and His Quintet—is a tour Neville embarks on each holiday season.

This year, the holiday concert comes on the heels of Neville's latest album release, "I Know I've Been Changed"—a testament to the road behind him, including 50 years in recorded music.

The newest album is a return to Neville's music-making roots. Neville's stripped-down approach to the disc leaves its bones heavy with soulful, baritone sound—reminiscent of his gospel music days.

Humbly, though, Neville refuses to take full credit for the album's deep-rooted sense of soul.

"The direction [for this album] came from Joe Henry, my producer. It was really his idea to do it like that," said Neville.

To enhance the album's songs, Neville, Henry and several other musicians worked intensely for five days in Los Angeles to create classic background arrangements.

"Each song has its own identity and feeling," said Neville, adding that "Stand By Me" and "I Am A Pilgrim" are his two personal favorite songs.

But for those who love his older recordings just as much as his newer ones, Neville promises not to disappoint his audience at the Scottish Rite on Saturday.

"I'm performing songs from every album, old and new. I'll do 'Everybody Plays the Fool' and 'I Don't Much', my duet with Linda Ronstadt," he said. "I'll probably do 'The Christmas Song' and 'White Christmas.' A little bit of everything."

Mixing classics with holiday favorites is a recipe for success, so much that even Collingswood Mayor James Maley is anticipating Neville's visit.

"Aaron Neville is classic—a great addition to the arts and entertainment in Collingswood," Maley said of the upcoming show.

The classic musician arrived when, in 1967, he earned his first gold disc with the single "Tell It Like It Is." Since, Neville has been nominated for 12 Grammys. He took home the tropy three times, including back-to-back wins in 1989 and 1990 for duets with Linda Ronstadt.

Neville said he's looking forward to making more classics—he's looking forward to following this gospel record with another project. And Neville admits he's considering looking to the past to inspire his next hit.

"I've done different genres. I've done pop, I've done rock, I've done R&B, I've done doo-wop, I've done country, I've done gospel," Neville said. "You name it, I've done it. But I want to do some more doo-wop. I want to do some more country. I'd like to duet with Linda Ronstadt again if possible."

But Neville's plans for the future are temporarily on hold, at least until he completes his 2010 holiday tour. And for now, he says he's happy to keep busy with the holiday tradition.

In fact, the holidays have been keeping Neville busy for some time. In 1993, he released his first Christmas album, "Soulful Christmas." An instant hit, the disc reached platinum status. And his annual holiday tour has kept him busy every winter since 2002. After that, he released his sophomore Christmas album in 2005, titled "Christmas Prayer."

"I have the holiday tour because I have holiday albums, and that's how I can sing them," said Neville with a laugh.

Once the tour ends Dec. 22^, Neville said he plans on spending the holiday in New York with his wife. Besides the relaxing break at home, Neville said he doesn't want anything this Christmas.

"I would like to see the economy turn around for the people in the world and the United States, no doubt," he said of his Christmas wish for others.

At least Neville can offer a holiday escape from everyday reality.

"I'm looking forward to my tour and the spirit–being in the spirit of the holiday, loving each other, being nice to each other. People can expect a great show. We've been on the road and we're ready to go," he said.

Concert Information:

Who: Aaron Neville and His Quintet, Featuring Charles Neville

When: Saturday, Dec. 18, starting at 8 p.m.

Where: Scottish Rite Auditorium, at 315 White Horse Pike, Collingswood, NJ 08108

Tickets: Available through Ticketmaster.com and at the Scottish Rite

Ticket Pricing: Varies, with tickets ranging from $29.50 to $49.50

For more information, call (856) 858-1000, or visit www.collingswood.com/entertainment.