"This Blues Trio Cooks Up A Storm "
What do get when you place three accomplished blues artists inside a comfortable recording space, slowly combine their individual talents, add three seasoned band members and let simmer? You've got the recipe for the new release, Sisters & Brothers(Telarc 2004), featuring, Eric Bibb, Rory Block and Maria Muldaur. The album is a celebration of their musical journey and the bond shared as blues musicians. Their initial steps began in the 1960's, firmly rooted in folk music at the peak of its popularity. During that time, all three became captivated by the sound of acoustic country blues. Their attraction continued to grow, feeling deeply connected to the music beyond just simple fascination. Calling it home, each artist built a musical foundation in traditional country blues. They selected different areas within the genre to reside, reflecting their individual style. After many years of hard work and dedication Bibb, Block and Muldaur enjoy successful solo careers, representing their distinct segment of the blues.
Sisters and Brothers is a dream come true, reuniting three talented performers who happen to be old friends. Bringing their own unique ingredients to the table, they created a delicious banquet of blues entrees. There's 13 tasty tracks, covering a variety of styles to satisfy any appetite. This threesome cooked some savory blues selections, from country and gospel, to folk and jazz. A full serving of genuine emotion and memorable performances. Albums with an assortment of styles from a specific genre as diverse as the blues, may sound chopped or tossed together. You won't find anything thrown together on this collaborative effort. Sisters and Brothers is a perfect example of how an album, covering different styles within a specific genre is suppose to sound. Each track blends smoothly in a natural progression, the thoughtful grouping of specific styles gives this recording a cohesive transition throughout. A true testament to the artists, the band and especially the producer Randy Labbe.
Sisters and Brothers has a spiritual theme, but it certainly doesn't preach. Instead, you'll find a positive, uplifting tone, touching the human spirit. It delivers a clear and simple message of unity and brotherhood, the importance of giving and being there for one another. In a world of uncertainty and fear, their message is needed now more than ever. The opening track, is an accapella version of the gospel standard, "Rock Daniel". A call and response tune with Rory Block singing lead, Eric Bibb and Maria Muldaur providing steady vocal support. Next, Bibb takes the lead on this shuffle tune, "Don't Ever Let Nobody Drag Your Spirit Down". His smooth, soulful, R&B style really shines, the level of emotion in his voice is prominent, slowly rising on every verse. Muldaur jumps right in, singing a verse with her sassy vibrato, then returns with Block for the chorus. Chris Burns tears up the ivories with great riffs and an excellent solo. "Get Up Get Ready", finds Muldaur at her best on this swing tune. She drives home the message with her exuberant, sultry vocals, Block adds some jazzy guitar riffs. Michael "Mudcat" Ward on upright bass and Per Hanson on drums stay front and center with Muldaur leading the way. You can't help but sing along to this one. The albums finest duets come from Block and Muldaur, their first is the Withers classic, "Lean On Me". Block delivers a strong, soulful lead, as Muldaur joins in with warm, soaring harmonies. Their duet version of this R&B favorite, adds more depth and harmony without veering too far from the original. Their second duet is on a Block original, "Travlin' Woman Blues". Both woman turn up the heat, each bouncing off the other with a healthy dose of steamy, sultry vocals. Burns piano keeps the fire burning on this honky-tonk tune, tickling the ivories with a sizzling solo. This is one of the albums best tracks, including, "Gotta Serve Somebody". Bibb gives this Dylan spiritual a fantastic ride. His smooth as silk voice sounds a bit scratchy, even gritty at times. Bibb gives a slower, more soulful variation to this spiritual, adding an authoritative aspect to the original. Block and Muldaur's background vocals sound like a Sunday morning choir, as they echo the chorus. You'll hear Bibb exercising his wide vocal range with a deliberate affirmation. This interpretation is very powerful, it quickly captures your attention holding it to the very last note. The final and title track, "Sisters and Brothers" is an uplifting gospel tune. Each voice wrapping around the other in waves of warmth and comfort. It's really a shame, being the only track where they actually sing together as a trio.
Sisters and Brothers is a dynamic collection of blues. There isn't a bad track to be found, each one taking you in a new direction. This threesome gives their very best, never once overshadowing their counterpart. Each artists expressive originality truly compliments the other, highlighting their strengths and creativity. This trio opens the door to a different side of the blues, the hopeful, uplifting, inspiring side. You'll be pleasantly surprised just how infectious this recording becomes, as you play it again and again. It's a genuine "feel good" album with lots of toe-tappin' energy. I highly recommend you dive right into this one.
www.telarc.com
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