Help My Brother: The Gibson Brothers
A Review
Most everyone who knows me knows I’m a big fan of The Gibson Brothers, the finest bluegrass band in the business. So it’s hard for me to write an objective review of their new album “Help My Brother” from Compass Records which I received today. Leigh and Eric Gibson, a couple of farm boys from the stony cold country up north between the St. Lawrence River and the Adirondack Mountains of New York have been working in the music business for a long time now. They’ve paid their dues. They’ve matured and improved with each passing year. And this new album is one more step on that road to musical greatness. In fact this album, in my prejudiced opinion, shows every sign that they’ve truly arrived.
Every album that these fellows have released has provided evidence that they were on the way. “Bona Fide”, “A Long Way Back”, “Red Letter Day” all showed their vocal talents and song writing abilities. Then “Iron and Diamonds” raised the bar again with a fine mix of original, classic and cover songs. “Ring the Bell” stepped the level up again with another strong mix of material and a heightened sense of musical confidence. Now “Help My Brother” brings a melding of all the elements that make a superior album: great original songs, a couple of old classics, unparalleled vocal work and an instrumental ensemble that is second to none. The Gibson Brothers may be out front but the entire band is part of a unique, clearly identifiable signature sound.
“Help My Brother” features Eric Gibson on lead and harmony vocals and banjo, Leigh Gibson on lead and harmony vocals and guitars, Clayton Campbell on fiddle, Joe Walsh on mandolin, Mike Barber on upright bass. Guest appearances by Ricky Skaggs doing lead and harmony vocals on one track, Claire Lynch also doing a turn on vocals, Alison Brown on banjo and Mike Witcher on dobro fill out the list of performers.
A Review
Most everyone who knows me knows I’m a big fan of The Gibson Brothers, the finest bluegrass band in the business. So it’s hard for me to write an objective review of their new album “Help My Brother” from Compass Records which I received today. Leigh and Eric Gibson, a couple of farm boys from the stony cold country up north between the St. Lawrence River and the Adirondack Mountains of New York have been working in the music business for a long time now. They’ve paid their dues. They’ve matured and improved with each passing year. And this new album is one more step on that road to musical greatness. In fact this album, in my prejudiced opinion, shows every sign that they’ve truly arrived.
Every album that these fellows have released has provided evidence that they were on the way. “Bona Fide”, “A Long Way Back”, “Red Letter Day” all showed their vocal talents and song writing abilities. Then “Iron and Diamonds” raised the bar again with a fine mix of original, classic and cover songs. “Ring the Bell” stepped the level up again with another strong mix of material and a heightened sense of musical confidence. Now “Help My Brother” brings a melding of all the elements that make a superior album: great original songs, a couple of old classics, unparalleled vocal work and an instrumental ensemble that is second to none. The Gibson Brothers may be out front but the entire band is part of a unique, clearly identifiable signature sound.
“Help My Brother” features Eric Gibson on lead and harmony vocals and banjo, Leigh Gibson on lead and harmony vocals and guitars, Clayton Campbell on fiddle, Joe Walsh on mandolin, Mike Barber on upright bass. Guest appearances by Ricky Skaggs doing lead and harmony vocals on one track, Claire Lynch also doing a turn on vocals, Alison Brown on banjo and Mike Witcher on dobro fill out the list of performers.
Before I take a look at a track by track summary I need to heap a little praise on the three Gibson Brothers who don’t share the Gibson name. Mike Barber has been playing bass and sharing in the record producing chores for many years. There is no more musically and rhythmically solid player in the business. Sometimes it seems like the band has an extra guitarist or at other times a drummer when Mike applies his skills. Clayton Campbell, long time fiddle player, brings just the right accents to every song the band plays. His solos grab the listener and draw them into his intricate and seemingly effortless playing. Joe Walsh joined the band shortly before the release of the band’s previous album. He made a smooth entry into the group and now adds a strong new musical dimension with mandolin solos and accompaniment that are innovative and exciting. This band clearly enjoys working together and each musician respects and complements the others. And this album is seamless in that high level of musicianship.
This is running a little long so I’m just going to summarize the first three songs on the album and then finish the rest in a posting in a day or so.
Track 1. Help My Brother – by Leigh Gibson: This is a wonderfully lyrical uplifting, upbeat song that has an old time feel. The vocal harmonies, with Leigh singing lead, are as fine as the brothers have ever done. This one will please the traditional bluegrass fan with its powerful message and great instrumental solos. Particularly fine is the banjo-fiddle give and take.
Track 2. Walking West to Memphis - by Chris Henry: This is another upbeat tune that will be a sure fire hit on the concert stage. It is lively, fun and full of fine harmonies. Leigh’s vocal ability is also showcased here as he uses a considerable amount of his excellent range.
Track 3. Dixie – by Eric Gibson: This song shows the brothers’ willingness to stretch beyond bluegrass while still retaining traditional instrumentation. A tender, beautifully written mini-biography of, and tribute to, Elvis Presley is surprising in the amount of emotion elicited as it asks “would you go back to Dixie”. This one is another example of the mature songwriting skills both Eric and Leigh have developed.
Okay. I’ll continue this in a day or so. Meanwhile order this album from www.compassrecords.com - it’s the best example of what is so exciting, real and just plain fun in bluegrass today. The Gibson Brothers – Help My Brother. Excellent.
Now have a fine day.
This is running a little long so I’m just going to summarize the first three songs on the album and then finish the rest in a posting in a day or so.
Track 1. Help My Brother – by Leigh Gibson: This is a wonderfully lyrical uplifting, upbeat song that has an old time feel. The vocal harmonies, with Leigh singing lead, are as fine as the brothers have ever done. This one will please the traditional bluegrass fan with its powerful message and great instrumental solos. Particularly fine is the banjo-fiddle give and take.
Track 2. Walking West to Memphis - by Chris Henry: This is another upbeat tune that will be a sure fire hit on the concert stage. It is lively, fun and full of fine harmonies. Leigh’s vocal ability is also showcased here as he uses a considerable amount of his excellent range.
Track 3. Dixie – by Eric Gibson: This song shows the brothers’ willingness to stretch beyond bluegrass while still retaining traditional instrumentation. A tender, beautifully written mini-biography of, and tribute to, Elvis Presley is surprising in the amount of emotion elicited as it asks “would you go back to Dixie”. This one is another example of the mature songwriting skills both Eric and Leigh have developed.
Okay. I’ll continue this in a day or so. Meanwhile order this album from www.compassrecords.com - it’s the best example of what is so exciting, real and just plain fun in bluegrass today. The Gibson Brothers – Help My Brother. Excellent.
Now have a fine day.
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