Thank You Brother Bill: A Tribute To Bill Withers
Gulf Coast, 2024
8/10
Listen to Thank You Brother Bill
The soulful guitarist and singer Kevin Burt and his band, Big Medicine, treat us to the songs of Bill Withers, where Scot Sutherland, Ken Valdez and Eric Douglas are all along for the ride.
“Who Is He (And What Is He To You?)” begins the listen with Burt’s soulful voice amid Valdez’s funky guitar riffs and plenty of sincerity, and “Kissing My Love” follows with Burt’s warm harmonica and Douglas’ thumping drums for the expressive delivery.
Further along, the always relevant “Lean On Me” carries a stirring intimacy thanks to Burt’s powerful pipes and Sutherland’s skilled bass, while the gospel tinted “Grandma’s Hands” is strong on mood via the vivid storytelling and rich guitars.
Arriving near the end, Burt’s flawless pips are the focus of the bare “Hope She’ll Be Happier”, and “Thank You Brother Bill” exits with a textured and rhythmic album highlight that displays the chemistry of the superb band.
For almost 30 years, Burt has been bringing his brand of the blues to the midwest, and similarities to legends like Aaron Neville, B.B. King and, of course, Bill Withers won’t be hard to spot or appreciate across this authentic and heartfelt record.
Travels well with: Mike Zito- Life Is Hard; Albert Castiglia- Wild And Free