THE SPRAGUE BROTHERS "Best of the EssBee CD's" Volume 1 - 2005

"The Sprague Brothers come on like a great lost West Texas rock band." - Dave Marsh, Playboy Magazine , January 2000
"The Sprague Brothers are reminiscent of the Beatles but with a sound that is very much their own". - Bob Boilen , NPR December 2000
"The playing, singing and songwriting are all beyond amazing. Shades of Buddy Holly". - Mark E. Gallo, American RootHearing the Sprague Brothers' "Best of the EssBee CD's Volume 1" for the first time, made my day. Like a lot of people who love authentic rock 'n' roll, I'm often disappointed by so-called "revivalists." The Sprague Brothers, on the other hand, don't sound as if they are reviving anything. This is their music. It would be a mistake to pigeonhole the Sprague Brothers. Most unusually, they don't stick to one bag, but are true masters of the various genres of early rock 'n' roll, from rockabilly and boppin' country to surf and Texas-style rock 'n' roll to British Invasion style. Best of all, they mix it all up in their own way, with unique conviction and dedication (plus a great sense of humor)! This album of rare recordings is a treat from start to finish. Along the way are many highlights such as their storming version of "Penetration" where Frank Lee Sprague's guitar rumbles and roars. There are amazing covers of "Hippy Hippy Shake" and "Tall Tall Trees", the spot-on rockabilly of "Rock Rock" and the pumping piano rocker, "Rock 'n' Roll", which sounds like a lost Jerry Lee Lewis hit. At least half of the album features Frank Lee Sprague originals, classics in their own right, fresh-sounding and vital, from the lovely ballad, "My Tender Heart", to the autobiographical "Nesman Studios." There are also unusual and effective arrangements, such as turning the 50's style Addrisi Brothers song, "I'll Be True" into a Merseybeat raveup. Throughout the album, the musicianship and singing is top shelf. Whether it's rockabilly or surf or any other brand of rock 'n' roll, Frank Lee Sprague plays lead guitar with fire and gusto, creating an exciting style recognizably his own. Chris Sprague's drumming never fails to propel the music. If you love rock 'n' roll played with joy and spark, I highly recommend this CD and all the others by the Sprague Brothers and Frank Lee Sprague. I can't wait for volume two! (The Rock 'n' Roll Monthly)
trax:
01 Penetration 02 Hippy Hippy Shake 03 Rock Rock 04 Surefire 05 New Reason To Cry 06 You Only Live Twice 07 I'll Be True 08 Green Arrow 09 I'll Do It Every Time 10 Drum Boogie 11 Rock'n'roll 12 I Feel A Brand New Heartache 13 My Tender Heart 14 Pyaying Mantis 15 Since I Don't Have You 16 No One Wants My Love 17 Nesman Studios 18 Tall Tall Trees 19 Sunset In Tokyo 20 Just Over A Girl
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