Review - Aaron Neville: Orchid In The Storm

AARON NEVILLE
Orchid In The Storm (Hyena)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

Originally released as a five track EP in 1983 and out of print for nearly a decade, Orchid In The Storm was Aaron Neville's affectionate tribute to the doo-wop sounds of his youth. It was an affection shared in equal measure by the project's producer, Joel Dorn, who was also the producer of the Neville Brothers classic, Fiyo On The Bayou. Dorn has brought the EP back on his new Hyena label and sweetened the deal with four bonus tracks in the same vein.
The original five songs, including a duet with brother Art Neville on a two song medley, is a classic the holds a place in the heart of any doo-wop fan who has heard it. A strong case could be made for Aaron Neville's version of "For Your Precious Love" as the finest four minutes of pop soul ever recorded. Of course, his version of "Earth Angel" provides just as strong a counter-argument. Neville's voice earned him the description by no less an authority than the late, great Doc Pomus as "the greatest singer alive." No small praise, that, but it's not an assessment I'm inclined to challenge.
The bonus material, including "Mona Lisa," culled from Fiyo On The Bayou, Pomus' own "Save The Last Dance For Me," Clyde McPhatter's "Warm Your Heart" (the only non-Dorn production on the disc, this one's credited to Linda Ronstadt, Neville's partner on some memorable duets), and the novelty that he often used to close his shows, "The Mickey Mouse March," performed here with Dr. John.
The five song original was as nearly perfect as an EP can be, and if that's all that was offered here I'd have no complaint, but with the addition of the bonus material, this moves into the classic album category and becomes essential for fans of New Orleans soul, doo-wop or simply spectacular vocal performances.
Track List:
Pledging My Love * For Your Precious Love * The Ten Commandments Of Love * This Is My Story/We Belong Together * Earth Angel * Mona Lisa * Save The Last Dance For Me * Warm Your Heart * Mickey Mouse March

© 2003 - Shaun Dale