Customer Reviews

Chasing Happiness

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And hauling people over to your stereo/cd player, insisting, "You gotta hear THIS!" I was visiting my sister and her family last week, and listened to snatches of this album whenever I was with them. I caught myself humming a particularly gorgeous musical phrase from "The Smallest Thing" and singing the chorus from "Spaceman" over and over. I finally have my own copy, and haven't stopped listening for a couple days now. These guys have a knack for great tunes, harmonies and lyrics that get into your head and percolate for a while. What I'm very clumsily trying to say is - it's great stuff. Wonderful southern folk/rock/pop/something. Whatever category, it's beautiful, stick-in-your-heart-and-head music.

Lastly, If you have the opportunity to see them live? DO IT. I had the pleasure of sitting front row and center at a small club the other night and they put on a great show! Now quit reading and go clicky on the buy button. You'll be glad you did.

Brother Henry has a sound that will remind you of other artists but at the same time is all its own. Their music is thoughtful and filled with harmony and musicianship. Ned Henry's casual, rambling style on the guitar will remind you a bit of Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits, especially on "Deep in the Dark." David's work on the cello is something beautiful and different for an alt country band, if the "alt country" label does them justice. Park Ellis is the perfect foundation for the Brother Henry sound on drums and his vocals and the whole feel of "Gravity" will remind you a bit of Toad the Wet Sprocket. Brother Jeff Henry is a great addition on bass and his straightforward vocals on End of the Day and Fab Four give this CD a simple, down home and likable touch. There is a little R.E.M. in there somewhere, maybe a little Steve Earle, maybe a little Jackson Browne... but it's all uniquely Brother Henry with honest harmonies and haunting cello and lyrics that have depth of meaning with a little quirky humor. Their sound is just contagious... makes you want to join in... and you should!

The brothers peel back the strings a bit, turn up the rhythm, and just have a great time. Yes, it is everything Brother Henry is supposed to be: the signature cello is there haunting as ever, but more restrained. The harmony is now times 4 with the Henry twins real Brother and an adopted brother Park Ellis joining them. All 4 of them sing lead interchangably. But what catches you the second time through is the guitar and mandolin: These guys can really play. They may not be the second coming of the Beatles (who they honor in "Fab Four"), but they are in that groove.

The songs are sharper, better focused, and just as singable as ever. The album really falls in two parts: the first 4 songs go all out to get you rocking and moving, while the back 7 let you settle in and enjoy the ride. "End of the day" really sets the tone for the album: go out do your best and have a great time doing it (Oh, yea, Jam a little while you're doing it). "Spaceman" is a rocking Pop song with just enough quirks to keep you listening "We can begin" is my favorite. A rocking love dity with a Biblical reference. "Two old friends" is the lighthearted stuff we heard in Come on People with solid rock backing. "My gravity" starts to slow things down with a haunting opening. "Where will I be" is the kind of song that makes critics drool: restrained, elegant, and interesting. "Fab four" is surprisingly straightforward country adorned with rich vocals. "Deep in the dark" hits the moving tone they set with "Last plateau" and takes it a lyrical step further. Then the strings they have been restraining gush out and take you away in "The smallest thing." They whip out Chuck Leavell on keyboards for the title cut with a Greatful Dead-type feel and syncopation. At last they go almost a'Capella to send you off in "When my time comes." A very interesting and satisfying mix to say the least.

What an absolutely fabulous CD by a fun and slightly strange-in-a-good-way group out of Nashville. It is a very talented band and the level of musicianship on this album is delightful. But what is most unusual about this band is that they just are who they are: there is no posing or man-of-mystery image making. It is sonically rich without being an over-produced wall of sound and they don't hide behind reverb or other electronic tricks. They play everything on the CD (except a little keyboards on two tracks) including cello and violin. The lyrics are striaght forward, heart felt, and unashamed. Vocally they have a really tight sound. As you would expect with two twins and another brother they blend wonderfully.

There really isn't a weak track here. Spaceman is my favorite, maybe because it is the first Brother Henry song I ever heard. It's a fun song, with great timing, energy and unexpected touches throughout. I love the title cut with it's syncopated drive and great harmony. It is one of three tracks with Jeff Henry singing lead. He has more of a "Country" tone than his twin brothers and the switch in lead vocalists gives the CD a great variety. My favorite run in the CD is in the middle where the strings are featured with Where Will I Be as definite highlight. It has a wonderful cello solo and haunting lyrics. Deep in the Dark, the Smallest Thing, and My Gravity all highlight the highest musicianship and lyricism.

This CD is one that I don't get tired of. These guys are incredibly talented musicians, and the lyrics are intelligent and witty. I love it--you will too.