The Malpass Brothers – The Malpass Brothers (Organic Records, 2015)
The Malpass Brothers’ self-titled album is one of the finest traditional country music albums released in the past year. The two brothers from Goldsboro in eastern North Carolina sing, play and look like the classic country singers of the golden era of country music. To Chris Malpass, traditional country music is the “real deal.”
At a time where current country music is basically pop, The Malpass Brothers sound authentic, with captivating vocals that remind you of Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash or Waylon Jennings. The arrangements feature classic fiddle, piano and pedal steel guitar. It’s pure classic country, rockabilly and honky-tonk delight.
The song selection includes outstanding renditions of classics by Bill Anderson, Bobby Bare, Jerry Lee Lewis, Willie Nelson, Marty Robbin, Peter Goble, George Strait, and Hank Williams. The Malpass Brothers also write and perform original new songs that sound like timeless classics. Although it’s hard to choose a favorite, “Hello Walls” is one of the most charming with its delightful call and response vocals.
The lineup on the album includes Christopher Malpass on lead and harmony vocals; Taylor Malpass on lead and harmony vocals, electric guitar and mandolin; Jeff Collins on piano, keyboards and background vocals; David Johnson on steel guitar, acoustic guitar and fiddle; Tim Surrett on acoustic bass and background vocals; Tony Creasman on drums and percussion; Chris Allman and background vocals; Mylon Hayes and background vocals; and Valerie Medkiff and background vocals.
The Malpass Brothers is undoubtedly one of the best country music releases of 2015.
Buy The Malpass Brothers in North America
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Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
