Holmes Brothers Speaking In Tongues CD

This multi-talented trio doesn't insult the blues by trying to mummify it. Instead, the Holmes Brothers' musical vision is a broad-ranging one that includes touches of country, funk, soul and gospel; their unique version of the blues incorporates all those styles. This album, featuring understated but ultimately flattering production by longtime fan Joan Osborne (who's also heard on background vocals throughout) has a slightly heavier gospel feel than the band's other albums. Highlights include drummer Popsy Dixon's singing on an astonishing re-imagining of the O'Jay's "Love Train," several songs by young-turk bluesman Ben Harper, and a gorgeous version of Bob Dylan's "Man of Peace."

Includes liner notes by Joan Osborne.

Recorded at Long View Farm Studios, North Brookfield, Massachusetts in 2000.

Personnel: Wendell Holmes (vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar, piano); Catherine Russell (vocals, mandolin, background vocals); Popsy Dixon (vocals, drums, percussion); Maydie Miles (vocals, tambourine, background vocals); Joan Osborne (vocals, background vocals); Sherman Holmes, The Precious Three (vocals); Paul Kahn (guitar, electric guitar); Andy Breslau (harmonica); Rob Arthur (piano, organ).

Audio Mixer: Trina Shoemaker.

Recording information: Long View Farm Studios, North Brookfield, MA.

Editors: Jonathan Wyner; Bruce Iglauer.

Photographer: Chris Colbourn.

The Holmes Brothers: Wendell Holmes (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, piano); Sherman Holmes (vocals, bass); Willie "Popsie" Dixon (vocals, drums, percussion).

The Precious Three: Catherine Russell (mandolin, background vocals); Maydie Miles (tambourine, background vocals); Joan Osborne (background vocals).

Additional personnel: Paul Kahn (electric guitar); Andy Breslau (harmonica); Rob Arthur (piano, organ, loops).

JazzTimes (5/01, p.116) - "...Gritty, powerful stuff....Beautifully preserves the inherent vocal blend and signature grooves of the 3 brothers..."
Dirty Linen (8-9/01, p.83) - "...One of the year's most joyful releases..."
Living Blues (5-6/01, p.45) - "...Pure Holy Funk....grafting jubilant images of spiritual ecstasy made flesh...to driving pop-blues cadences laced with shimmering soul chords..."