THE HOLMES BOTHERS
Speaking In Tongues
Alligator Records
Www.alligator.com

For more than a decade, the Holmes Brothers (Sherman and Wendell Holmes, plus "Popsy" Dixon) have blended some of the tightest soul/blues instrumentation with searing vocal harmonies and call-and-response straight out of their gospel roots. The lyrics for much of their material, however, had more ecumenical and universally uplifting messages -- paralleling the Staples Singers. Following their father's death, the Holmes sons felt called to make their next recording a return to their deep spiritual cores. So this release may catch some of their fans a bit off-guard for its overt Christianity. In addition, the simple trinity of the group's voices has been shadowed by a female vocal trio -- featuring producer Joan Osborne. But this isn't a recording to judge on first pass. Some masterful, moving moments are to be found. My favorite is the group's reworking of Ben Harper's "I Shall Not Walk Alone," capturing the best vocal qualities of the musicians against the minimal backdrop of an acoustic guitar/organ duet. Far more dynamic is the holy rollin', foot-stompin' "Jesus Is The Way;" Dylan's "Man of Peace" is also attacked with revival meeting fervor displaying the group's characteristic instrumental vitality. Another nugget given new life is the old O'Jays "Love Train," with a slower arrangement that gives more potency to the great call-and-response vocals of the ensemble. I won't claim this disc will create an upsurge in religiosity, but it's sure milk and honey to the ears. by Dave Leucinger