Compass Records has been promising the next Gibson Brothers album early this year, and have now announced a release date of February 22.
Help My Brother contains 12 new tracks, many written by the singing/songwriting brother duo, and recorded by their touring band. Eric Gibson is on banjo, brother Leigh on guitar with Joe Walsh on mandolin, Clayton Campbell on fiddle and Mike Barber on bass. The boys also have guest contributions from Ricky Skaggs and Claire Lynch on vocals, Mike Witcher on reso guitar, and Compass boss lady Alison Brown on banjo.
Brother Eric shared a few words about the new project…
“We realize that we’re one of the few brother acts out on the circuit today, and recognize that the brother duet has been a common thread throughout bluegrass and country music history. We are trying to add something fresh and identifiable to the tradition and at the same time pay tribute to some of our brother heroes.
We recorded seven songs that Leigh and I either wrote or co-wrote (two were written with Tim O’Brien and Jon Weisberger), as well as new songs by Joe Newberry and Chris Henry. Also included are covers by the Louvin Brothers, Jim and Jesse, and the O’Kanes. We are proud of our band and cut the entire album with them.
There was no concept heading in as far as an overall theme to the record, but as the sessions went along, we realized that Help My Brother was full of uplifting songs, and that they all deal with the simpler things in life, the important things. I always thought Buck Owens had the happiest sound in country music, and I think this record has that sort of optimism.
We’re coming off a good year and recorded the week after picking up two IBMA awards. Maybe that contributed to the overall vibe.”
Happy grass! Not a bad way to start the year.
You can sample the new Gibson Brothers music online, in advance of the street date.
