March 2004 Newsletter

• Ernie "SugarLips" Brown •
• Kenny Neal and Billy Branch •
• Steve Ditzell •
• Dave Hanson / Blues Hawks •
• The Holmes Brothers •
• Ms. Bettye Lavette •
• Bob Levis •
• Art Love •
• Sam McClain •
• Cesar Rosas / Los Lobos •
• Muddy Waters •
• Sugarcane Collins •

Simple Truths
The Holmes Brothers
Alligator Records
www.alligator.com
13 tracks/51:07

The Holmes Brothers have always served up an eclectic blend of their musical roots. Blues, gospel and country blend together, sometimes in the same song. There is no mistaking the vocal harmonies of guitarist Wendell and bass man Sherman Holmes along with the falsetto voice of their partner, drummer Popsy Dixon. The trio has a knack for reworking songs to create a new musical approach that brings a fresh focus to the song’s lyrics. This release gives them plenty of opportunities to work their magic.

When was the last time you saw one recording that featured songs by Townes Van Zandt, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Willie Nelson. Hank Williams and Bob Marley ?? Or heard "Shine", the hit for the rock group Collective Soul, done as a snappy blues shuffle with fine group harmonies and gospel influenced guitar from Wendell. Remember the early 60’s rock hit for Bruce Channel - "Hey Baby"? The Brothers recast the song as a an acoustic folk/blues piece that features a guitar solo from Chris Bruce.

The disc opens with Wendell’s rocking original, "Run Myself Out of Town" featuring his great rhythm and lead guitar work. Sherman Holmes takes us to church with the lead vocal on Van Zandt’s classic "If I Needed You", supported by Wendell on piano. Even more striking is the band’s take on the country standard "I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry". Wendell contributes a soulful lead vocal while he rips off nasty blues licks on a cranked up guitar. Popsy gets a chance to display his vocal prowess on the Welch song "Everything is Free" and "Concrete Jungle". Supported by Greg Leisz on acoustic guitar and David Piltch on upright base, Dixon strips Marley’s song down to it’s essence, going past the reggae to it’s soulful roots.

Other highlights include the band demonstrating that it can handle roots rock on another Wendell original, "You Won’t be Livin’ Here Any More" with more fine guitar licks. The Willie Nelson tune, "Opportunity to Cry", features Wendell alone on vocal and piano, reflecting on the emotions surrounding love gone bad. The disc closes with the two brothers on Sherman’s original blues, "I’m So Lonely". Wendell accompanies on acoustic guitar, adding further proof that he is a masterful guitar player. Sherman sings with a quiet intensity that easily conveys the message in the title.

This is the strongest release for the Holmes Brothers since the 1997 disc  Promised Land. It may be their effort yet. You will be hard pressed to find another recording with as strong a song list, creatively interpreted with vocal harmonies that took years of playing together to perfect. This release is highly recommended and is worthy of your attention.

- reviewed by Mark Thompson