The Holmes Brothers | Feed My Soul

It isn't surprising that Joan Osborne was drawn to The Holmes Brothers after meeting them in New York in the '80's. The sound that the band had developed by then, a mix of gospel, soul, country and roadhouse rock was right up her alley. They all became friends and collaborators and in 2001, she produced "Speaking In Tongues". She has returned to produce the new CD "Feed My Soul".

Wendall and Sherman Holmes, and Popsy Dixon formed The Holmes Brothers in 1979, and this is the 4th album that they have done in a decade, all on Chicago's Alligator Records. Wendall's 2008 cancer diagnosis was a devastating blow to the group, but the triumph of his recovery lead directly to the making of this album with it's ever-present sweet and stunning vocals, strong songwriting, gently commanding performances.

I'll feature the album tonight on mvyradio's Uncharted Waters at 9 PM ET. www.mvyradio.com

Listen to clips from the CD here:

Sonos | SONOsings

We had a visit from the band Sonos this week and they joined me on mvyradio's Lunch Hour Wednesday. Sonos is a group of six singers from L.A. who all came out of the Southern California college A Capella scene. They have just released their debut CD, covering songs by artists as diverse as The Jackson 5, Fleet Foxes, and Radiohead. I loved the new record immediately when I heard it last December, and I thought as I listened that it would be great to have the chance to interview Sonos at some point and to hear them live. And that's just what happened inside the cozy main studio at mvy!

The interview process is so great for connecting with an artist or group, to get the inside scoop on what goes on with the creation of a certain sound, how it all comes together, the challenges that present. And then the music plain and simple and superb right there before your eyes and ears. It seems that Sonos is treading new ground inside an old tradition. The harmonies and arrangements are precise but the spirit is free-wheeling. That combined with adventurous song choices make this vocal group one to cheer for.

Listen to my interview with Sonos.

Listen to clips of the new CD "SONOSings" here: