Blackburn - Brotherhood - Make It Real Records 2009

This soulful record made the trip from Canada to my tiny Indiana studios, and grabbed me in an instant. The Blues on Brotherhood comes infused with Soul, R&B, and Funk, kicking off with the upbeat "Movin'."

"Soul Searching," a Funky tune about trying to make the world a better place by improving upon yourself really sets the tone for this record, though, and had me grooving by it's conclusion. The tune is quite simply...infectious with a message.

Duane Blackburn handles lead vocals on the disc, as I mentioned above, save for "Junker Blues," a Champion Jack Dupree cover fronted by Brooke, who sounds very much like his brother: kind of gruff yet smooth (if that's possible).

The fellas' version of the R&B classic "Fever" provides you a taste of what to expect on the covers found throughout Brotherhood. Songs that come from someone else, but are by no means done a la their original performers. No, Blackburn does things their own way, which is a fantastic trait when so many bands out there are content to simply lay down a cover the same way it was originally doe, or modify beyond recognition. Blackburn finds that perfect balance of originality and tribute in each one.

There's five covers, not including Duane's solo take on the traditional, "Hush," which producer Lance Anderson describes as a "magical moment." It's a statement I'm inclined to agree with, as the simpleness of Duane sitting at his piano actually provides the tune with depth by drawing out the emotion of the lyrics.

The other half of the 12 song CD is original material either penned by BrookeBlackburn, or co-written with brother Duane. That includes the instrumental "Back At the Zanzibar;" a nod to the famed Toronto club where their father has held court for years with his mastery of the keys. "Talk To Me" and "Four Brothers" deal with the Blackburn family history, as well. The former of the two tracing the Blackburn anscestry's escape from slavery.

Brotherhood is a wonderful album where you can actually hear the band's chemistry. The album was recorded with all four playing and recording in the studio together, and what results is an overwhelming grasp of the bonds the members of Blackburn share. Another thing the listener picks up on is that Duane will talk to the other members of the band, which you would normally see at most any live concerts you attend. It's a way to communicate where the other band members need to go in a performance, but the neat thing about it here is that it does not distract from the songs on this disc. If anything, it solidifies the theme of family found throughout Brotherhood.

Standout Tracks: "Soul Searching," "Hush," "Back At the Zanzibar," and "Junker Blues"

Preview and Purchase Tracks From Blackburn's New CD Brotherhood.