In The Spirit

With this initial release for the Rounder label, the Holmes Brothers had everyone wondering where they'd been for the past 30 years. The truth is, even after finding their way from the backwoods of Virginia to New York City, it still took decades of dues-paying for Sherman Holmes, Wendell Holmes, and Popsy Dixon to finally hit upon their formula. One can only wish they'd found it sooner, because their unique synthesis of down-home gospel, juke-joint blues, and country is a revelation. Electrifying originals like "The Final Round" and "Squeal Like an Eel" share the limelight with soaring spirituals like "None but the Righteous." Traditional blues like their version of St. Louis Jimmy Oden's "Going Down Slow" showcase the sparkling guitar work of Wendell Holmes. But in the end, it's the trio's harmonizing on "When Something Is Wrong with My Baby" that really steals the show. Added bonus of liner notes by music historian Peter Guralnick. --Ken Hohman