CD Review
The Holmes Brothers
"Speaking In Tongues"
Alligator Records
by Dick Houff
Review date: March 2001
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1999 KBA Award Winner
Achievement for Blues on the Internet
Presented by the Blues Foundation
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By the age of ten, I felt destined for hell with a coal shovel in hand. Religion is more or less a taboo subject, even today. I never really felt comfortable in church until I landed outside of Ruth, Mississippi. There was a small church with an all black congregation
singing gospel songs that made me feel at peace. Over a course of Sunday sermons; followed by song, a church deacon invited me to attend a service. Being somewhat superstitious, I was worried about the holy water and ornaments—there were none, and this put my mind at ease. The Holmes Brothers have that same calming effect, and a little extra something called "Fire." They will raise the roof and make you dance or
jump. Their music is a combination of gospel, soul, R&B, blues, and even country (not the horrifying stuff on cable network). The Holmes Brothers have been around for quite a few years—long before their debut (1989) album with Rounder Records. They've appeared in the movie 'Lotto Land" and also recorded the soundtrack. There have been appearances on "Late Night With David Letterman, and National Public Radio's "Mountain Stage" plus countless other engagements. The band has had featured
reviews in Rolling Stone, Billboard, Newsweek, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Examiner, and virtually every blues or roots magazines that I can conjure up. Well now, that's quite an impressive resume. Not counting the never ending tours—these cats are in demand. The music speaks for itself: thirteen over the top songs with a KO punch!
This review is copyright © 2001 by Dick Houff, 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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