Best of the EssBee CD's Volume I [Import]

The Sprague Brothers | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 26, 2005)
• Original Release Date: September 26, 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: El Toro/Wichita Falls Records
• ASIN: B000BCHJ7Y
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #583,732 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

For those who love pure, unadulterated, masterful rock 'n' roll, look no further than the "Best of the EssBee CD's – Volume One" by the fabulous Sprague Brothers. From their earliest recordings in 1990 through their highly acclaimed Hightone CD's, the Sprague Brothers have forged a clear and steady path, as leader Frank Lee Sprague says, "Influenced by none, inspired by many." With their roots in hometown Wichita Falls, Texas, the Sprague Brothers travel the musical map, fusing their love for the music of fellow Texans Buddy Holly and Bobby Fuller with a touch of surf here and a touch of Merseybeat there, all blended into a superb and remarkable brand of rock 'n' roll uniquely Sprague. This first volume of "EssBee" recordings features songs from several albums previously released in extremely limited quantities. Highlights here are many: "Rock Rock" is searing rockabilly played with such authenticity and joyous abandon it would make any"revivalist" wilt with envy. Known for innovative arrangements, the Spragues reinvent the Skyliners' "Since I Don't Have You" into a Santo and Johnny style instrumental, while the big band staple "Drum Boogie" channels Bill Haley and shows off Chris Sprague's propulsive drumming. "I'll Do It Every Time" sounds like a lost Everly Brothers top ten hit and features the Sprague Brothers' always impressive harmonies. Several Frank Lee Sprague originals stand out, including "Nesman Studios," an autobiographical homage to Wichita Falls and the legendary studio where Buddy Holly recorded in 1955. Frank also demonstrates world-class prowess on his Fender Jaguar, dazzling us with instrumentals such as his Ventures-style "Green Arrow" and the unusual "Sunset in Tokyo," written on one of their successful tours of Japan. Throughout, their music is fresh, inspired and inspiring. There's no doubt the Sprague Brothers love what they do. You will too.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Rock 'n' roll!, October 20, 2005

By 

Fred Burwell (Beloit, WI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Best of the EssBee CD's Volume I (Audio CD)

Hearing the Sprague Brothers' "Best of the EssBee CD's Volume 1" for the first time, made my day. Like a lot of people who love authentic rock 'n' roll, I'm often disappointed by so-called "revivalists." The Sprague Brothers, on the other hand, don't sound as if they are reviving anything. This is their music. It would be a mistake to pigeonhole the Sprague Brothers. Most unusually, they don't stick to one bag, but are true masters of the various genres of early rock 'n' roll, from rockabilly and boppin' country to surf and Texas-style rock 'n' roll to British Invasion style. Best of all, they mix it all up in their own way, with unique conviction and dedication (plus a great sense of humor)!

This album of rare recordings is a treat from start to finish. Along the way are many highlights such as their storming version of "Penetration" where Frank Lee Sprague's guitar rumbles and roars. There are amazing covers of "Hippy Hippy Shake" and "Tall Tall Trees", the spot-on rockabilly of "Rock Rock" and the pumping piano rocker, "Rock 'n' Roll", which sounds like a lost Jerry Lee Lewis hit.

At least half of the album features Frank Lee Sprague originals, classics in their own right, fresh-sounding and vital, from the lovely ballad, "My Tender Heart", to the autobiographical "Nesman Studios." There are also unusual and effective arrangements, such as turning the 50's style Addrisi Brothers song, "I'll Be True" into a Merseybeat raveup.

Throughout the album, the musicianship and singing is top shelf. Whether it's rockabilly or surf or any other brand of rock 'n' roll, Frank Lee Sprague plays lead guitar with fire and gusto, creating an exciting style recognizably his own. Chris Sprague's drumming never fails to propel the music.

If you love rock 'n' roll played with joy and spark, I highly recommend this CD and all the others by the Sprague Brothers and Frank Lee Sprague. I can't wait for volume two!

5.0 out of 5 stars This has the stink of Rock'n'roll all over it!!!, September 30, 2005

By 

Dimples, the human skunk - See all my reviews

This review is from: Best of the EssBee CD's Volume I (Audio CD)

Oh Yaaaas!!!
Them Sprague Boys is back with another masterpiece of aromatic proportions! The El Toro/Wichita Falls Records release "Best of the EssBee CD's Volume I" is now on da shelves at yer favorite record store so go buy it. My personal fav on the LP is "Just Over A Girl" cause it makes the hairs stand up on my skunk neck. I have invented a "Sprague Brothers Perfume" in honor of Frank and Chris, and I think it captures their essence even if I do say so myself (and I do). I approached the Bro's with the idea of having a "scratch'n'sniff" cover for this release which would give their fans a little preview of my formula but they just called the cops on me. Oh well. But take my odorous advice; this human skunk is on da right track cause the Sprague Brothers are destined to go down in history with the incredible brand of rock'n'roll they is recording and releasing, so, people is gonna wanna smell like them eventually! That's my opinion and I'm stickin' with it!

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sprague Bros. Rule, November 8, 2005

By 

Keith Ford "K. Ford" (Lexington, KY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Best of the EssBee CD's Volume I (Audio CD)

This CD is a must have for all Sprague Brothers fans. It goes from old stuff to new(er) stuff. I just hope these two get back together again.