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'Cornbread'The Holmes Brothers – State Of GraceThe Holmes Brothers – State Of Grace
{Alligator Records, 2007}
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The chilling gospel-like harmonies of The Holmes Brothers; Sherman Holmes - bassist/vocalist, Wendell Holmes - guitarist/pianist/vocalist and Popsy Dixon - drummer/vocalist combine rock and church in a bluesy-gospel kind of way. The Holmes Bros have recorded with Van Morrison, Peter Gabriel, Odetta, Phoebe Snow, Willie Nelson, Rosanne Cash, Levon Helm and Joan Osborne, and have gigged all over the world—even performing for President Clinton. They joined the Alligator Records family in 2001 with their label debut Speaking In Tongues. In 2004 Simple Truths followed. They won the coveted Blues Music Award from the Memphis-based Blues Foundation for Band of The Year in 2005.

Along with the Holmes Brothers on State Of Grace are: Glenn Patscha, guitar, piano and organ; Larry Campbell, mandolin, guitar, pedal steel; Byron Isaacs, upright bass and guitar; Catherine Russell, vocal and guitar; Rosanne Cash, vocal; John Leventhal, guitar; larry campbell, mandolin, fiddle; byron isaacs, upright bass and bass; Levon Helm, drums; Amy Helm, vocals; Fiona McBain, vocals; Joan Osborne, vocal; Chris Bruce, guitar; Craig Street, guitar; Colby Rose Street, vocals

TRACK LIST:

1. Smiling Face Hiding A Weeping Heart 4:03
2. Close The Door 3:41
3. (what’s so funny ‘bout) Peace, Love and Understanding? 4:14 – Nick Lowe
4. Gasoline Drawers 4:39
5. I Can’t Help It If I’m Still In Love With You 3:19 – Hank Williams
6. Bad Moon Rising 2:57 – John Fogerty
7. Three Gray Walls 4:18
8. If I Had A Boat 3:04 – Lyle Lovett
9. Those Memories Of You 2:56
10. I Want You To Want Me 6:03 – Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick)
11. Ain’t It Funny What A Fool Will Do 3:59 – Geo. Jones & Johnny Mathis
12. Standing In The Need Of Love 5:19
13. I’ve Just Seen The Rock Of Ages 3:22
14. God Will 2:56 – Lyle Lovett

Like their others the harmonies are tight, again in a bluesy-gospel way. Of the three releases Simple Truths highlights the Brothers musically, though nothin’ short of vocally hair raising terrific. Some interesting covers on this CD. I think you’ll dig it, it’s old school melded perfectly with new school, a sound that’s their own and pleasing to the ears. There’s not a bad song on the CD, not outstanding and far from bad – it’s a good CD.
(4.51)

Ciao’ for now, peace.
Cornbread
Cornbread@stlblues.net

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