The Neville Brothers' 30th Anniversary Celebration has begun, folks!!!! And, I have a feeling that we are in for a WILD ride!

I've always made it a practice NOT to pass along rumors, but an EXTREMELY reliable source has informed me that the new Neville EP ("Heart and Soul of New Orleans [Live]") is only the beginning of what we Neville fans can expect to see this year! In fact, my source's information felt more like a WARNING... The amount of Neville music being released in the near future will be staggering!

Reportedly, the Nevilles have recently inked a deal with Vagrant Records. The Nevilles will have their own, stand-alone imprint on which they will be free to release anything and everything that THEY feel is worthy of release. And their plan is to satisfy ALL Neville fans, whether casual fans or devout collectors!!!

The Nevilles have been (and are still in the process of) diligently digging through various tape vaults, searching for previously unreleased recordings (both live and studio) with an eye on making those recordings commercially available in the not-too-distant future! In addition to these vintage, unreleased recordings, current performances are being professionally recorded and considered for release as well.

My source was not certain whether or not Art's JazzFest performance will be available for purchase. However, the show IS being streamed on AT&T's Blueroom, so those of us who are not able to attend the JazzFest will still have the opportunity to enjoy this momentous occasion! I was also informed me that the sidemen for Art's performance are some of the finest musicians anywhere. In addition to a couple top-notch local players, his band will feature a couple VERY high-profile players as well. Something tells me that Art's show will be THE ONE TO SEE at this year's Fest!!! (Okay, okay. I know the Brothers' festival-closing show will also be killer, as will Dumpstaphunk's and Aaron's shows, but this is Art's first solo show and it really sounds like the powers that be are going all-out to guarantee that it will be an unforgettable one.)

As if the aforementioned information isn't exciting enough… It seems that Art's JazzFest performance is a precursor to something even greater. It's something for which MANY of us Neville fans have been hoping and praying for several years now. That's right, folks. It looks like the long-awaited (and oft-rumored) Art Neville solo LP is actually going to be happening! I can't help wondering if members of the Meters or funky Meters will appear on the album. Or maybe some of the Hawkettes. Or maybe his JazzFest sidemen are being groomed to support him on the album as well. I guess we'll just have to wait and see about that. With Art at the forefront of ANY band, it's guaranteed to be a great album!

Speaking of the funky Meters, George Porter, Jr posted a message on the band's message board, stating that he is HOPING that the band will record some new material this year!

And, as I just reported in my last news item, Ben Jones, the Nevilles' new bassist posted a blog on his MySpace page and mentioned that he will be working with the Nevilles on their forthcoming LP (possibly, in the fall.) He didn't mention whether the album would be a live album or a studio project, but either one would be welcomed!

As most of you should (hopefully) know by now, Cyril's new CD is due imminently. The CD release party (at the Rock-n-Bowl in New Orleans) is being held on May 3rd. Apparently, the disc is now being featured in the Louisiana Music Factory's print ads in OffBeat Magazine. Samples from the disc are available on Cyril's MySpace page and on Jomar Records' web site as well.

Of course, Hip-O's "Aaron Neville: Gold" compilation is also due in May or (more likely) June. Still no word on that compilation's contents. Based on my past experience with the "Gold" collections, the set will more than likely be comprised of previously-released recordings, sounding better than ever.

It looks like 2008 is going to prove to be a REALLY good year for us Neville fans!