SHANNON WHITWORTH & BARRETT SMITH

Bring It On Home

2012-01-13

This duo approximates the interplay of Over the Rhine's Karen Berquist and Linford Detweiler as their voices weave through a mix of soulful classics from Sam Cooke, James Taylor, Paul Simon, Van Morrison, Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen--interspersed with some jazz classics ("Moonglow," "I Get Ideas" and "Sway"). In each, Whitworth and Smith skillfully wrap their vocals around each other so that each song has a jazz bent, regardless of the genre of the original song. While the tunes ultimately depend on the smoky singing of the duo, I also appreciated the trumpet in "Moonglow," the saxophone in "Green Grass" and other tasteful musical flourishes throughout. The unhurried feel of the set reminds me of a home concert, with all of the participants acquaintances. Someone asked these two friends, "Hey, it's about 10 o'clock. How about you two playing some favorites?" They smiled, got out their instruments and the next thing you heard were the opening bars of "Bring It On Home to Me"... 01/13 Michael J. R-Adult Contemporary

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Rock

  • reviewed 01/2010

    MIDLAKE
    The Courage of Others

  • reviewed 02/2017

    The Lake Effects
    Ioway

  • reviewed 12/1969

    JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 POUND UNIT
    JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 POUND UNIT

  • reviewed 05/2009

    JASON LYTLE
    Yours Truly, The Commander

  • reviewed 05/2010

    THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS
    Together

  • reviewed 04/2014

    Dave Mason
    Future's Past

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.