Customer Reviews

Where It's At

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Before rap and funk, there was Soul. Aching vocals, tasty guitar licks, percolatin' bass lines, and lyrics of love lost or found defined a style that reached its zenith around 1967. Or did it? Here The Holmes Brothers, infused with the spirit of classic soul music, keep the tradition alive. Many strong songs on this disc, but the title track, which is a Sam Cooke remake, and their own "I've Been to the Well Before", stand out. Some hard hearted grumps may dismiss this kind of record as hopelessly retro; ignore them! If you hanker for honest and real music that makes you feel kinda sad but kinda glad too, Where It's At will not disappoint.

A brilliant cd! Each time I listen to it, I recall going with my best friend, Joannne (where are you, girl?) to see The Holmes Brothers wow a crowd of music lovers in Portsmouth, NH in the early 1990's. Their harmonies and sense of joy were palpable; we danced to some amazing music that night and Joanne became an instant fan. This cd is a wonderful mix of blues, soul, gospel, and country and features Gib Wharton on steel, who for several years was an integral part of the band. Get the cd for yourself and a friend, and see the band when they hit your town.

Although I'm just a beginner when it comes to the blues, I thought this was a great album. The vocals are gritty, emotional. The album alternatively makes you want to sit back with a beer pondering it all and stomp your feet. These guys are great live, too.

Oh my Gawd.... The Holmes Brothers rock on and on. I've seen them twice in concert and God bless them, they are still going strong. How can anyone resist "You Can't Hold On To A Love That's Gone"? Check out this and their other recordings for brilliant driving soul songs like "Promised Land", "Got Myself Together" and how about this Gillian Welch song "Everything is Free"? I'm in awe.