As the Neville Brothers took the stage they were introduced as the "heart and soul of New Orleans" - a title that they rightly deserve for their work in the famed city. The band's sound incorporates the vibe and vibrancy of their hometown. The muscular Aaron was sporting a T-shirt with the words "Affliction" and a large skull emblazoned upon it - topped off by a cap with the Fleur de lys logo of the recent football champions. He portrayed a powerful image to match his massive and mesmerizing voice. Brother Charles was on sax wearing a bright tie-die reflecting his colorful style.

Charles Neville excelled all night on saxophone, vocals and cowbell.

The Neville Brothers opened with a feisty and funky jam featuring Charlie on sax. The sound was well mixed so that each instrument including cow bells stood out. The Neville Brothers used both classic and contemporary approaches to the keyboards. Art Neville had a B3 organ with full Leslie box accompaniment while Mike Goods was using a Korg Triton paired with a Yamaha.

"Congo Square" combined bold rhythms with brash sax as the piece wove its way through intricate instrumentation. "Fever" ran the range from smooth to smoldering and was followed by "Mojo Hannah" with its thick bass lines blending into chunky chord progressions and commentary from Charles on the sax. At times, Neville's sax was like a second singer in the way he responded to Aaron's vocals.

"Voodoo" cast a spell with it's varied and vibrant vocals and instrumentation. "Africa" rocked on formidable beats coming from a seven string bass and feisty guitar grooves. Another sassy sax solo sashayed through seductive riffs and rhythms.

More scenes from the Neville Brothers concert including Mike Goods and Art Neville on keys.

In addition to their opulent originals The Neville Brothers performed a number of creative covers. "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers was sung soulfully by Aaron and the band's jam was expansive. "Love The One Your With" by Stephen Stills was energized and engaging. Another innovative instrumental included "When The Saint's Go Marching In" with a medley of meters and moods and "who dat's" to boot.

The Neville Brothers closed their set with the chart-topping "Yellow Moon" which rose on Aaron's soaring vocals. The mood was magical and Charles provided descriptive hand-motions that could of been sign-language or just his own musical muse. Thus, the evening ended on a high note which would not be eclipsed with an encore.

Opening the night was Dr. John with his band clustered around the performer who was situated center stage between his skull-topped grand piano and Hammond organ. The good doctor would alternate between the two instruments throughout the show - making one detour to play some signature guitar on one song.

Dr. John prescribed a dose of Cajun cure-all for the nearly packed house of music fans.

"Security, let the people dance," declared the drummer from his kit early on while giving a shout-out to the world champion New Orleans Saints while Dr. John - clad in a bright blue suit and gold shirt - walked on stage to lead his group through an exuberant version of "Iko IKo". It was followed by the saucy and holiday appropriate "Makin' Whoopie" as Valentine's Day approached. "Dis, Dat or D'udda" was performed with flair and funk.

"St. James Infirmary" flowed on grooves accented by a spunky sax and a gutsy guitar solo. "Black Widow Spider" was daring and dark. "Mama Roux" had a carnival feel coupled with varied and vibrant vocalizations and instrumentation. "Bruha Bembe" started off spooky before segueing into a sultry swamp. The bassist was playing both his instrument and a tambourine at some points as other band members handled vocals in response to Dr. John's earthy singing.

"Everybody get on your feet... everybody dance," stated Dr. John encouraging the crowd. They complied and nearly everyone in the theater rose up - clapping and swaying along to the popular "Right Place Wrong Time". During this song Dr. John was playing both piano and organ. "Land Grab" featured plucky bass patterns punctuated by the sax with Dr. John's smoky vocals adding to the mix.

Dr. John & The lower 911 onstage in New Jersey.

Dr. John performed a festive set which also included the lush yet languid "Lazy Bones" and the animated "Apple Tree". Dr. John is still a musical force to be reckoned with. In Morristown, he was a shaman cooking up a stew of styles that was spellbinding and well played by his seasoned and talented band.

Both the Neville Brothers and Dr. John are legendary musicians that keep the soul of Louisiana alive through their entertaining and energizing songs. The spirited show in New Jersey was a testimony that New Orleans and its traditions are alive and well in the world.

A look at the set lists for Dr. John and the Neville Brothers.

Related Links: For more information on the NEVILLE BROTHERS & DR. JOHN and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- Nevilles.com | DrJohn.org | MayoArts.org

(Originally Published on February 13, 2010)