Search - Gibson Brothers :: Long Way Back Home

Full, visceral brand of bluegrass

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 04/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the town of Ellenburg Depot in the Champlain Valley in upstate New York., The Gibson Brothers emerged on the music scene in 1991 and put out albums on the Big Elm, Hay Holler and Ceili labels early in their music career. Their "traditional music with a twist" has won them many fans and a 1998 award for "Emerging Artist of the Year." In 2002, they signed with Sugar Hill Records and released the highly acclaimed "Bona Fide" in 2003. When not performing, Leigh is a dairy farmer, and Eric is a school teacher.Their sophomore effort on the Sugar Hill label, "Long Way Back Home," continues their formula of a full, visceral brand of bluegrass built around the brothers' duet singing and songwriting. This disc consists of seven originals. Leigh Gibson contributes Dreams That End Like This, Any Man in His Right Mind, and I Gotta Get Back To You. Eric Gibson composed The Way I Feel, I'm not Wanted Here, and He'd Take Her Back Again. Drawing inspiration from the Adirondacks on a beautiful spring day, Eric collaborated with Roy Hurd to pen "Callie's Reel." In each case, the song's author sings lead with his brother singing harmony. The only number with three-part harmony (courtesy of Alan Bartram) is "I'm not Wanted Here." Although brother duet singing is a large part of their signature sound, I'd encourage them to consider a few more songs with additional harmony on future releases. Maybe even invite their little sis, Erin, back into the vocal mix now and then as they did on the "Bona Fide" album? Besides the traditional "East Bound Train," the band covers of songs by Kieran Kane, Gordon Lightfoot, Jackson Leap, Jaime Robbie Robertson, Chris Jones, and Edgar Edens.Leigh Gibson plays guitar and sings. Eric Gibson plays banjo, lead guitar, and sings. The brothers are once again joined by their talented bass player Mike Barber and mandolinist Marc MacGlashan. Special guests include Jason Carter (fiddle), Luke Bulla (fiddle), Rob Ickes (dobro), Russ Pahl (steel guitar), Sam Zucchini (percussion), and Alan Bartram (harmony vocal). Another difference from the "Bona Fide"project is the band's increasing use of drums and steel guitar. These three original cuts (Dreams that End Like This, Any Man in his Right Mind, He'd Take Her Back Again) clearly show their distinctive, countrified stamp to some of their contemporary material. Now, with veteran experience to supplement their youthful energy, the Gibson Brothers' fame as bluegrass and country stars continues to grow. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)"

Long Way Back Home deserves a huge and growing audience

Rebeckah D. Richardson | 10/31/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Long Way Back Home is my first Gibson Brothers CD. I unconditionally love their music and lyric. Their "Mountain Song" words and rhythm beautifully inspire my clogging interests. "Callie's Reel" is a magnificent follow up. I am looking forward to choregraphing two dances to go with these two songs. I so love this CD I am going to look into their other CDs. Thanks for writing, playing and using one of Roy Hurd's songs that brought me to your site. Becky"

Gibson Brothers Do It Again!

Rebeckah D. Richardson | 03/25/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I did not think that 2003's "Bona Fide" could be topped -- I was wrong! The boys' trademark harmonies are in full force, the writing superb, and the musicianship fresh. Do not be surprised when it is nominated for a Grammy -- it is that good."