Grant Lyle has been a Toronto blues scene fixture for several years. The Winnipeg born guitar player/singer/songwriter has benefited greatly from this thriving roots music scene. In 1998, his band, Brotherhood, was formed. Together they combine their seasoned musicianship with youthful energy and enthusiasm. Shufflin' boogie rock can be found on their second independent release, It's Worth It. Grant's bone-rattling guitar playing is showcased throughout the 10 track disc along with his gruff yet full of emotion voice.
The disc opens with the title track. It's a heartfelt, slow rocker with plenty of wah-wah work. It has a sound and feel reminiscent of 70s blues-rock masters, Derek and the Dominos. Lyle rocks up Willie Dixon's familiar "Don't Go No Farther" with the right amount of Texas shuffle. It's obvious Stevie Ray was a big influence on Lyle. In fact Johnny Copeland's "Down On Bended Knee" is the most SRV sounding track on the CD. "Another Mile" is a burning southern rock song thanks to Grant's blazing slide guitar. More outstanding slide work is featured on Elmore James' classic "Can't Stop Lovin' My Baby". Throughout drummer Steve Woods and bassist Scott Brammer are omnipresent with their intimate grooves and attention to detailed rhythm.
There isn't any new musical ground broken by this astounding trio. It's just pure, solid blues-rock played with a refreshing approach that will have you instantly hooked. Unlike many of today's young blues-rockers, Lyle isn't into playing a million notes a minute. Rather, he accurately and passionately plays his solos with precise timing as can be heard on the instrumental "Traces". On the other instrumental, "Dig", Lyle plays diversely with much conviction.
This album has the sound of a live recording and makes you feel as though you were in the room with the band. The four cover songs are treated with great respect yet emerge as Brotherhood's "own". The six, high quality originals contain complex rhythm patterns that showcase the combined writing skills of the band members. Just as you are really getting into this CD, it unexpectedly ends. At barely 40 minutes in length, it leaves you begging for more.
For CDs, booking and information, contact: ONYX Canada, 142-3044 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON Canada M8X 2Y8 Tel: (416) 233-3989 E-mail: wezel@wezel.com
Band website: www.accessv.com/~dal/grantlyle
This review is copyright © 2001 by Tim Holek, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.
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