An album of Cyril Neville’s tracks from 1994-2007 labeled “essential” might raise eyebrows. After all, how large is the Cyril Neville canon? But we shouldn’t be surprised that the percussionist from the 13th Ward’s first family offers up another kind of “essential”—a course in the city’s musical memory. A veteran of funk’s heaviest scenes, Cyril put in work during that 13-year span, releasing six albums containing few proper “hit songs” but a good number that serve as textured lessons in New Orleans music.

His teaching partners are impressive. Taj Mahal co-writes and plays harmonica on “Blues is Here to Stay.” Marva Wright, James Andrews, the Soul Rebels, Tim Green, and several Nevilles contribute to the well-produced ensemble sound. As expected, the drums are fresh, particularly on a unique “Foxy Lady.”

As it has for 40-plus years in this city, the bond between Allen Toussaint and the Nevilles provides a central force for the record. The latter-day standard “New Orleans Cooking” precedes the album’s highlight, a live recording of “Fortune Teller” closed with one word from our greatest songwriter: “Unbelievable.”

Though the gospel-tinged “The Times They Are A-Changing” cover falls fat, the album provides unintended but powerful affirmations of that statement. Recorded in 1994, “Ayiti” celebrates the Haiti-New Orleans connection, now reinforced by subsequent disasters. Another ghost of sorts passes through “Projects,” a 2003 homage to da bricks. A thick Uptown accent raps names that no longer correspond to places. As bittersweet time capsules, both tracks redefine “essential.”