The Holmes Brothers

Approaching a new Holmes Brothers album, you know you're not going to face any stylistic curveballs. The veteran, and highly acclaimed, trio continue to mix R&B, blues, rock and gospel elements into a sound by turns stirring, soulful and raunchy. The career of Wendell and Sherman Holmes, and honorary brother Popsy Dixon, extends over 30 years, and their musical and vocal empathy is obvious. Lead vocal duties are shared between the three, while album producer Joan Osborne adds effective backing vocals. The group's originals are well crafted, while covers include the Beatles tune "I'll Be Back," soul classic "Pledging My Love" and "Something Is Missing," a fine, never before recorded song by John Ellison (of "Some Kind Of Wonderful" fame). Wendell Holmes digs deep on "Fair Weather Friend," a song alluding to his recent brush with cancer, and on the soulful ballad and title track, and comes up with a new depression blues on "Edge Of The Ledge." A fun lighter tone is at play on "You're The Kind Of Trouble ("I Could Get Into"), another highlight of a consistently strong album.