Cover To Cover
Compass, 2022
8/10
The folk duo of David and Adam Moss, as The Brother Brothers the pair blend their inimitable harmonies across these covers that played a big part of their formative years, where folk, bluegrass and jazz are all touched upon.
“That’s How I Got To Memphis” opens the listen and wastes no time making an impression with its warm singing, gentle guitar and Matty Meyer’s light drumming on the Tom T. Hall tune that’s a bit bluesy, and “These Days” follows with Jeff Picker on acoustic lead guitar to illuminate the cozy intimacy that parallels the greatness of Paul Westerberg’s version of this Jackson Browne original.
“I Will” lands at the halfway point, and takes help from David’s cello on the Lennon/McCartney classic, while “I Get Along Without You Very Well (Except Sometimes)” employs Rachael Price’s soothing backing vocals across this charming a cappella version.
Approaching the end, “High Sierra” makes great use of Michaela Anne’s harmony vocals and Michael Rinne’s subtle but effective bass to complement the gorgeous melody, and “Flower’s Grave” exits the listen with violin and cello interacting with much eloquence in the bare, Tom Wait’s finish.
A very eclectic project that certainly shines a light on how the brothers turned their musical interests into a flourishing career, their skills with fiddle and Wurlitzer (Adam) and cello and guitars (David), along with the all star cast of collaborators, makes for superb interpretations of lovely songs.
Travels well with: Andrea Von Kampen- Old Country; Lowland Hum- At Home