THE HOLMES BROTHERS

Feed My Soul

Alligator Records

By Linda Cain

In 2008, The Holmes Brothers faced a crisis that could have ended the group’s four-decade career. Wendell Holmes, the trio’s guitarist, pianist and vocalist, was diagnosed with bladder cancer.  The popular band halted its busy touring and recording schedule while their brother battled the disease. The good news is that Wendell beat the illness early on and the band has bounced back with a CD that shows them to be at the top of their game. Feed My Soul, in fact, stands as a crowning achievement in the Holmes Brothers’ legacy.

            The 14-song album serves up the many fine qualities for which the Holmes Bros. are known, in generous portions. Wendell, Sherman Holmes and Popsy Dixon variously infuse each number with soul, passion, positivity, faith, humor, energy and spunk. Nine of the CD’s songs are originals, a record number for this band known for its unique cover versions of songs by everyone from Cheap Trick and John Fogerty to Hank Williams. The self-penned tunes reflect the trying ordeal and the triumph-over-tragedy that the close-knit trio went through together. The musical styles range from pure gospel to country, country-blues, soul and R&B.

Produced by songstress Joan Osborne, a longtime fan and collaborator who knows these gentlemen well, she highlights their heavenly three-part harmonies, soulful gospel spirit, lovely melodies, bouncy, upbeat rhythms, clever lyrics and catchy sing-along choruses.  She and blues/jazz diva Catherine Russell also contribute backup vocals. Unlike the excellent Speaking in Tongues CD, which Osborne also produced, the ladies’ voices remain in the background here, allowing the Holmes clan to shine on their own.  Russell also plays a well-placed mandolin on one tune.  The addition of Glenn Patscha on Hammond B-3, Wurlitzer piano and keyboards was a brilliant move. The versatile player helps set the tone and moves the music along whether the song calls for a swirling B-3 gospel flourish, a honky tonk piano, or a funky organ solo.

The gospel flavored “Dark Cloud” opens Feed My Soul with a socio-political message that asks U.S. citizens: “Won’t you tell me, tell me, tell me, where you stand?”  The current events theme continues on “Edge of the Ledge,” set to impossibly bouncy and joyous music which contrasts with the somber lyrics of the chorus: “Standing on my head at the edge of the ledge/ Tryin’ to figure out how to keep my family fed/I lost my job, they even repossessed my bed/Standing on my head at the edge of the ledge.”

The title track is the sincerest of love songs, a warm, soulful ballad written by Wendell, who lets us know that it was the love of his life who helped pull him through his crisis. “You forgave me, baby, when I needed forgiving/You gave me the strength to keep right on living.”  The harmonizing between the brothers and the ladies is subtle and sublime.

The pattern of song selections alternates with one romantic ballad followed by an upbeat, catchy-as-hell, toe-tapper. “You’re the Kind of Trouble (I can get in to),”  “Living Well is the Best Revenge,”   “Without Love in Your Life,” “I Believe You I Think ”  and “Rounding Third” fall into the latter category and will have you singing along with the three-part harmonies.

Bassist Sherman Holmes contributes “I Saw Your Face,” a dreamy love ballad with a gorgeous melody and poetic lyrics. His soothing vocals and hushed tones lend intimacy to the tender song.

Wendell takes us to church to sing about a “Fair Weather Friend” who abandoned him during his cancer battle. His hurt and disappointment is palpable, but the gospel music is uplifting.  The song is followed by a positive message surrounding a barroom drama in the rootsy rock of “Put My Foot Down” (so you can hold your head up).

The Fab Four would approve of Popsy’s solo turn on “I’ll Be Back.” Whereas the Beatles version featured three-part harmonies, there are none on this version. Instead, the drummer’s voice swoops and soars, hitting impossibly high notes on the whooo-hoos.  Another cover is next, a glorious version of the Johnny Ace hit “Pledging My Love”; it’s a classic that seems tailor-made for the Holmes’ rich harmonies.

Feed My Soul closes on a reverent note with the gospel prayer “Take Me Away.” The trio’s heavenly harmonies soar while Popsy’s remarkable falsetto notes hit the top of the steeple. Patscha’s B-3 swells and Wendell’s sanctified piano help keep the faith.

The term Americana has become a vague catch-all-genre. If you want to know what real American roots music sounds like, you can go right to the source with the Holmes Brothers. From uplifting gospel harmonies, to down home country, to sweet soul and rhythmic R&B along with their Holmes-ified take on pop and rock, Wendell, Sherman and Popsy were there when these genres first blossomed from American soil.  Enjoy the Holmes’ musical harvest; it will feed your soul with the finest of comfort food.

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