CD Review
Holmes Brothers
Simple Truths
Alligator Records, 2004 (ALCD 4893)
by Tim Holek
Review date: October 2004
|
|
"Keeping the Blues Alive Award" Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by The Blues Foundation
| |
On Simple Truths, the Holmes Brothers are more rootsy and raw than their previous Alligator release. This is true especially on the four numbers that feature the three core members of the group. For 25 years, the Holmes Brothers have brought their spiritually moving, gospel-imposed, funky-blues to the masses. Originally from Virginia, brothers Sherman (bass) and Wendell (guitar) Holmes hooked up with drummer Popsy Dixon in NYC. Producer, Craig Street (Cassandra Wilson), is to credit for keeping things plain, simple and going for the vibe. The 13 secular tracks are all about being truthful with oneself and others.
The threesome emits redemptive vocal harmonies beginning on the stripped down and basic "Run Myself Out Of Town." They then delve into a jumpy, joyous and danceable version of Collective Soul's "Shine". Chris Bruce guests with acoustic guitar on "We Meet, We Part, We Remember" and it is as bittersweet as the song's lost love lyrics. Wendell handles lead vocals on more than half the songs. As evidenced on this track, his gruff voice doesn't always fit the group's slower and more delicate numbers. Vocally teaming Sherman with Popsy on Townes Van Zandt's deep and moving "If I Needed You" proves to be a far better choice. However, when Sherman takes over lead vocals on "Hey Baby" he is not as powerful and omnipresent as the others. Wendell's guitar is rough, cutting and almost overbearing on "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry." It strikes at the listener just like the loneliness sung about in this Hank Williams classic. The amazing falsetto of Popsy cuts straight into your soul and very being on Gillian Welch's "Everything Is Free." Greg Leisz's lap steel adds a touch of c&w to blues classic "Big Boss Man." Only the most experienced and confidant artist can perform solo as Wendell does on Willie Nelson's "Opportunity to Cry." "Concrete Jungle" and "He'll Have To Go" are a bit odd in that Holmes Brothers group members only handle the vocals.
This is not a stereotypical blues CD. Instead, the Brothers tackle a host of roots music that will appeal to the 30 and over crowd. More original numbers and more that feature just the Brothers are the only things keeping this 51 minute release from winning a truckful of awards. As has come to be expected, you get the perfectly blended vocal harmonies, diverse song arrangements, Wendell's gritty as a factory shop floor electric/acoustic guitar and Popsy's supreme falsetto. Some people see the beauty of the world in nature. The Holmes Brothers get you to see how wonderful life is via their music.
For CDs and information, contact: www.alligator.com
www.timholekblues.ca
Buy this CD NOW:
Your purchase through the Amazon.com links at the end of each review, or by simply clicking on this banner (below) to order this or many other products from Amazon, helps to support this website as well as the featured blues artist.
"This review is copyright © 2004 by Tim Holek, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without permission."
Copyright reuse notice: If you would like to reprint or use this review please include the above copyright notice, contained within the quotation marks, PLUS this statement: "Used with permission." Then send an email to Ray at: mnblues@aol.com indicating how you are using the review or the website page address it will be appearing on. Thanks!
Your purchase through the Amazon.com links at the end of each review, or by simply clicking on this banner (below) to order this or many other products from Amazon, helps to support this website as well as the featured blues artist.
Click on this banner to get you new low percent credit card:
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! You can help support this blues website by making a contribution (click on the banner below for details).
Or mail a donation to: Ray Stiles % Blues On Stage, PO Box 582983, Mpls, MN 55458. Thanks!
Web Hosting & Design:
CLICK HERE for Web Design SPECIAL, get your own website for just $75.
The most affordable web hosting and design services available. Click Here
to find out how you can host your current site at Blues On Stage, or how I can help you design your own website!
If you would like your CD reviewed, please send TWO (2) copies, along with promotional material to:
Blues On Stage
PO Box 582983
Minneapolis, MN 55458-2983
E-mail Ray Stiles @ mnblues@aol.com with any questions.
|
Ray Stiles at: mnblues@aol.com
Copyright © 2004 Ray M. Stiles & Blues On Stage All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author. Blues On Stage is a ® Trademark of Ray Stiles.
|
|