For
those who love pure, unadulterated, masterful rock ‘n’ roll, look no further than the “Best of the EssBee
CD’s – Volume Two” by the fabulous Sprague Brothers.
From
their earliest recordings in 1990 through their highly acclaimed Hightone CD’s, the Sprague Brothers have forged a clear
and steady path, as leader Frank Lee Sprague says, “Influenced by none, inspired by many.” With their roots in hometown Wichita Falls, Texas, the Sprague Brothers travel the musical map, fusing
their love for the music of fellow Texans Buddy Holly and Bobby Fuller with a touch of surf here and a touch of Merseybeat
there, all blended into a superb and remarkable brand of rock ‘n’ roll uniquely Sprague.
Reviewers
around the world lauded El Toro Records’ first outstanding roundup of EssBee recordings.
Vintage Guitar described Sprague originals as “uniformly impressive”
and their music as “multidimensional.” This second volume of “EssBee”
recordings features songs from several albums previously released in extremely limited quantities. High spots are many: Chris Sprague’s “Angelyne” is a chugging rocker, incorporating an
insistent riff and sinuous lead guitar. His “All Night Long” pays
homage to Bobby Fuller with its impossibly catchy and upbeat melody and effective massed backing vocals by Frank Sprague.
The brothers tackle two early Buddy Holly rockabillies, the
bass slappin’ “Down the Line,” and rollicking “Gotta Get You Near Me Blues.” Both Holly and the Sprague Brothers recorded their versions at the Nesman Recording Studios in Wichita Falls,
Texas.
Known for innovative arrangements, the Sprague Brothers reinvent
Frankie Ford’s “Sea Cruise” as a swinging rocker combining both country and British Invasion flourishes. They turn the Everly’s peppy “So How Come” into a tender ballad
featuring some of their most heartfelt singing.
The rumbling, eerie surf of “Diamond
Head,” and lightning fast guitar runs of “Pickin’ Peppers” once again demonstrates multi-instrumentalist
Frank’s wondrous prowess at lead guitar.
The Sprague Brothers treat fans of Merseybeat and early Beatles
to a dose of their patented hit-sound creations such as Frank’s moving “If You’ll Be Mine,” and their
ultra melodic “I Found Someone New Today,” in which the brothers swap lines and harmonize, all the while singing
their hearts out.
This volume closes with a stunning acoustic cover of the
Searchers’ “Goodbye My Love,” here sounding like a timeless John Lennon ballad.
Throughout,
their music is fresh, inspired and inspiring. There’s no doubt the Sprague
Brothers love what they do. You will too.
Look
for the Sprague Brothers at the May 2007 Rockin’ 50’s Fest at the Oneida Casino in Green Bay, Wisconsin and at other venues worldwide in the
near future!