The Holmes Brothers (Wendell, guitarist/pianist/vocalist, Sherman Holmes bassist/vocalist, and Popsy Dixon, drummer/vocalist), have been together since 1979.
All three hail from Virginia where their musical roots were formed in the church. After toiling for many years in small New York clubs, they have now achieved the pinnacle in the contemporary roots music scene. Achieving recording success with Rounder Records resulting in a non-stop touring schedule, it was after joining forces with Alligator Records in 2001 that their recordings gained major acclaim from all quarters. That led to prestigious bookings and appearances on national television shows, culminating in 2005 with recognition by the Blues Foundation as the Band of the Year.
Wendell opened up the show on guitar and vocals with “Big Boss Man” and followed that with his captivating original tune “Gasoline Drawers” from their latest CD “State of Grace.” Sherman dug deep in the vocals on his original tune “Close The Door” with a rich baritone delivery. Popsy Dixon’s vocal delivery of “Three Gray Walls” was emotionally affecting with a raw beauty that featured his unimaginably sweet and pure falsetto voicing. Wendell’s gravelly vocals were augmented with sumptuous background harmony by Sherman and Popsy on the plaintiff tune “What’s So Funny ‘Bout Peace, Love and Understanding?”.
For the second set, Wendell’s gritty vocals pleading for one more chance on “The New And Improved Me” opened up the set. The three-part harmony on the engagingly paced “Shine” drove this R&B influenced tune and displayed how well this group works as one in perfect synch. They lightened things up on "Whole Lotta Shaking Going On" and put their imprint on “When Something Is Wrong With My Baby.” When they closed out with an upbeat harmonizing “had a good time tonight,” there was no doubt that everyone in the room had to agree with that statement.
Wendell is an extraordinary guitarist and his vocals dig deep with a raw essence. Popsy Dixon weaves magic on the drums and dispenses an unearthly falsetto voicing while Sherman’s steady persuasive bass lays down the foundation. There is no other group like this on the planet for uplifting blues and spiritual gospel done juke joint style with stirring vocal harmonies.
The Holmes Brothers take their music from any genre, unravel it and put their personal perspective into it. Their ability to take other artists’ tunes and reinterpret them is truly inspired and puts them in a league that is matchless in contemporary roots music.
----- Dorothy L. Hill
jazzpix@pacbell.net
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