Memphis Royal Brothers
8 songs time – 40:00
This project was conceived by Grammy Award-winning producer/engineer Boo Mitchell, son of producer Willie Mitchell of Hi Records fame. A core group of instrumentalists and un-credited background vocalists are joined by various lead vocalists. All but one song are originals by different configurations of Gary Bolen, Richard Bolen, Wes Hamil and Paul Williams. The Memphis sound is infused with roots music, blues, rock and roll and a bit of country.
Bobby Rush lends his talk-singing and harmonica to “Good God I Got The Blues”. The powerful horn section, Rev. Charles Hodges Hammond B3 organ and the female backing singers add the Memphis vibe. “Goin’ South” gets the mellow and mild spoken tones of Memphis Charle Musselwhite along with his legendary harmonica. Electric slide guitar adds to the Southern atmospherics. Jim Lauderdale & Wendy Moten present a strong country duet on “Brand New Heart”. This could well vie for a classic country duet. These two vibrant voices gel well. Luther Dickinson plays lead guitar on this one.
Wendy’s soulful voice does a solo turn on the slow gospel inflected “Ready To Rise”. Organ, heavenly backing vocals and horns are the icing on the cake. From here on in the vocals belong to former Tower Of Power singer Marcus Scott. His voice just drips soul. He and an unidentified female singer trade jibes on “Gimme Back The Keys To My Cadillac”. Marcus keeps the soul going on “Hot Night In June”. There is also infectious electric slide guitar slithering around.
“What Mothers Do” is a tender and touching tribute to mothers. Gary Bolen’s guitar plays nicely against the horns. A slow and souled-up version of Patsy Cline’s “I Fall To Pieces” closes out the festivities. Lester Snell’s piano and an uncredited harmonica player usher in the song. Strings and the ever-present backing vocalists dress it up quite elegantly. Marcus takes the song out with an over-the-top soul ending in great style.
Bo Mitchell’s vision has rendered a well-done slice of Memphis goodness. All involved commit themselves proudly, but Marcus Scott, Wendy Moten and Jim Lauderdale steal the show. Do yourself a favor and snatch this one up.
