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Sisters & Brothers

 
Album Review: Sisters & Brothers

Review

As its title implies, this is a spiritually based collaboration from three distinct -- even disparate -- yet surprisingly harmonious voices. Mostly, but not entirely acoustic, the trio of rootsy singers trade lead vocals on smooth jazz/blues ("Bessie's Dream"), folk-blues ("Good Stuff"), Delta blues ("Rolling Log"), gospel (an a cappella version of Sister Rosetta Tharpe's "Rock Daniel"), and combinations of those genres. On paper it sounds scattershot, but in actuality this is a thoughtfully paced combination of styles, united by three affecting voices. Eric Bibb's smoother Keb' Mo' approach meshes surprisingly well with Rory Block's more penetrating Delta croon and Maria Muldaur's sassy, sexy, throaty growl. Covers of Jimmy Reed's "Little Rain" and Bob Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody" with Bibb taking lead, and Bill Withers' "Lean on Me" (Muldaur and Block) show the disc's wide stylistic range. A musical seminar in how diverse types of music interbreed and influence each other, all three singers are in the moment with nobody commanding the spotlight for long. The barrelhouse honky tonk piano blues of Block's "Travelin' Woman Blues" incorporates both Muldaur's and Block's singing in the album's most convincing duet. Only a few songs such as the closing title track feature all three voices, and the album might have benefited from more instances where they all contribute. But the vocalist's exuberance soars from the grooves and creates a lively yet relaxed vibe that's contagious and often thrilling. The result is a cohesive, soulful, and powerful disc that will hopefully inspire listeners to find more material from each of its headliners. ~ Hal Horowitz, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track TitleComposersPerformersTime
Rock Daniel Maria Muldaur, Rory Block, Eric Bibb (4:44)
Don't Ever Let Nobody Drag Your Spirit Down Eric Bibb Rory Block, Maria Muldaur, Eric Bibb (3:26)
Get Up Get Ready Dave Steen Maria Muldaur, Eric Bibb, Rory Block (2:09)
Lean on Me William Becton, Bill Withers Rory Block, Maria Muldaur, Eric Bibb (4:28)
Bessie's Advice Eric Bibb, Maria Muldaur Eric Bibb, Rory Block, Maria Muldaur (7:17)
Good Stuff Eric Bibb Maria Muldaur, Eric Bibb, Rory Block (5:34)
Rolling Log Lottie Beaman, Lottie Kimbrough Rory Block, Maria Muldaur, Eric Bibb (4:06)
Gotta Serve Somebody Bob Dylan Eric Bibb, Maria Muldaur, Rory Block (4:06)
Travelin' Woman Blues Rory Block Rory Block, Maria Muldaur, Eric Bibb (4:28)
Little Rain Jimmy Reed, Ewart Abner Maria Muldaur, Eric Bibb, Rory Block (2:58)
Maggie Campbell Traditional Eric Bibb, Rory Block, Maria Muldaur (2:49)
Give a Little More Eric Bibb Rory Block, Maria Muldaur, Eric Bibb (3:02)
My Sisters and Brothers Charles Johnson Maria Muldaur, Rory Block, Eric Bibb (3:20)

Credits

Lincoln Clapp (Audio Engineer), Lincoln Clapp (Engineer), Art Tipaldi (Liner Notes), Lincoln Clapp (Mixing), Randy Labbe (Audio Production), Robert Woods (Executive Producer), Randy Labbe (Producer), Per Hanson (Drums), Rory Block (Guitar), Eric Bibb (Arranger), Lincoln Clapp (Mastering), Bess Berg (Production Assistant), Mudcat Ward (Bass (Upright)), Chris Burns (Piano), Mudcat Ward (Double Bass), Elaine Martone (Production Supervisor), Anilda Carrasquillo (Art Direction), Eric Bibb (Vocals), Eric Bibb (Guitar), Maria Muldaur (Vocals), Susan Azzarello (Design), Rory Block (Vocals), Chris Burns (Wurlitzer)
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Copyrights:

Album Review. Copyright © 2009 All Media Guide, LLC. Content provided by All Music Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC. All rights reserved.  Read more