The next generation of the legendary Neville family steps up to the plate with drummer/vocalist Omari Neville’s first appearance at the Hi Ho Lounge with his hot new band, the Fuel. Omari’s father, Cyril Neville, the iconic singer and percussionist for the Meters, the Neville Brothers, the Uptown Allstars, and numerous other bands and projects, will join his son on stage as a special guest.
Omari Neville was raised in the orbit of the Neville Brothers band, which also included his three uncles, Art, Charles, and Aaron, as well as the projects of his cousins Charmaine, Ivan, and Ian among other assorted Neville kin. He has been playing drums since he was a child and has matured into one of the finest drummers in the city. He is also a formidable vocalist.
The Fuel is an all-star aggregation that features two veterans of the definitive era of the Neville Brothers—guitarist Eric Struthers and bassist Daryl Johnson. “Stormin’” Norman Caesar, a veteran of numerous Neville-related projects including the seminal rap-funk hybrid band DEFF Generation is on keyboards, and Gregg Molinario is also on guitar.
Omari Neville and the Fuel create music that is inspired by the deep legacy of his father and uncles. New Orleans funk is ever-present, but the band also explores pop, R&B, hip hop, and reggae including many original songs from the pen of the drummer.
Omari and Johnson have a solid rapport as a rhythm section and Omari is a strong singer from behind the kit, leading the band with rhythmic cues learned at his father’s knee.
Show time is 9 PM. Tickets are available at the door.
