Memphis Royal Brothers – Self-Titled
This is an interesting release with multiple name performers who add to the curiosity that is this illuminating project. There are 8 tidy soulfully rendered pieces by varied award-winning vocalists on Memphis Royal Brothers – Self-Titled (Drops July 26/Royal Records/40:00) produced by Grammy-Award-winning Boo Mitchell with Richard Bolen.
While the sonics are modern the mood captured is vintage in soulfulness & bluesy prowess. Lead-off track “Good God I Got the Blues,” as performed by Bobby Rush is high-octane entertainment – dynamic backup singers, a tight groove & the commanding voice of Mr. Rush. Technically, the blues isn’t supposed to be an entertaining genre. It’s about bad things, bad luck, sadness, heartbreak, hard times, unfaithful women & men — but here, the artists elevate each groove into an atmosphere that’s more integrating.
Charlie Musselwhite shoulders his way in seductively with a warm well-nurtured voice & potent harmonica whines on the 5-minute plus “Goin’ South.” It almost sounds like a leftover from the Paul Butterfield Blues Band’s classic “East/West” album from 1966.
The great country singer Jim Lauderdale is joined by the exceptional Wendy Moten on “Brand New Heart” & the material has a vitality that steps away from blues for a moment, but Moten adds the necessary drama along the perimeter of the melody. What a pairing. There’s an essential sweetness to the performance but these two artists know how to percolate. The accentuations on lead guitar by Luther Dickinson are perfectly applied.
All songs are inspired, brilliantly arranged & performed. Wendy Moten’s penetrating & striking wherever she appears. The tunes see-saw between blues, country mixed with blues & lots of soul with blasts of dominant horns that splash through your ears like the Bar-Kays (“Soul Finger”) & Arthur Connely (“Sweet Soul Music”). Remember those days?
Soul music isn’t dead here – it simmers on the back burners with tunes sung by Marcus Scott whose adrenaline-driven showcase (“Gimme Back The Keys To My Cadillac,” “Hot Night In June” & “I Fall To Pieces”) reminds me of the fiery performances of the late Jackie Wilson. Nasty good.
Highlights – “Good God I Got the Blues,” “Goin’ South,” “Brand New Heart,” “Gimme Back The Keys To My Cadillac,” “Hot Night In June” & the amazing “I Fall To Pieces.”
Musicians – Bobby Rush & Charlie Musselwhite (vocals/harmonicas), Wendy Moten & Jim Lauderdale (vocals), Luther Dickinson (lead guitar), Marcus Scott (vocals) with the MRB: Gary Bolen (lead guitar), Steve Potts (drums), Rev. Charles Hodges (Hammond B3), Lester Snell (piano), Jackie Clark (bass), Michael Toles (guitar). Horns: Marc Franklin (trumpet/arranger), Kirk Smothers (baritone sax), Lannie McMillan (tenor sax), Kameron Whalum (trombone). Strings: Lester Snell (arranger), Yennifer Correia, Wen Yih Yu & Jessie Munson (violins), Mark Wallace (cello), Jennifer Puckett & Aaron Tubergen (violas).
Color image courtesy of the Bobby Rush website & Charle Musselwhite courtesy of Musselwhite Amusements. CD @ https://www.motherwest.com/memphisroyalbrothers & https://www.deviousplanet.com/memphis-royal-brothers/
