by Parker Gambino
The Holmes Brothers were many things to many people. To me everything they did sprang from a foundation of gospel music, as might also be said for Aretha, Ray, Curtis, Mavis, and countless other acts who took that ball and ran it through the entire gamut of American roots and pop music: soul, R&B, country, blues, rock, you name it. Exhibit A: the full sound of this trio in performance included spot-on three-part vocal harmonies.
The threesome, originally from Virginia, relocated to Harlem in the 1960’s, where it began paying the early but extended journeyman dues of backing band and circuit touring, building reputation and advancing to bigger venues and headliner support. A key early fan who later became collaborator, promoter, and producer was Joan Osborne. The first Holmes Brothers album was not released until 1989; more widespread acclaim followed within and beyond the roots community, culminating (perhaps) in a performance for then-president Bill Clinton.
Both Wendell Holmes and Popsy Dixon passed away in 2015. If metaphor is partly a construct within one’s mind, then it is hard for me to listen to “Edge of the Ledge” without thinking of Wendell, struggling with cancer, perhaps knowing how his days were numbered, making art from the grist: Standin’ on my head at the edge of the ledge.
I was fortunate to experience the group live three times; sketches for the poster were made at Lincoln Center Outdoors “In the Spirit of Odetta” in 2009 [Sherman]; and Ballard Park in Ridgefield, CT in 2010 [Wendell and Popsy].
Recommended Links:
Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Holmes_Brothers
Middlesex Museum article – https://middlesexmuseum.com/music-pioneers-the-holmes-brothers/
Edge of the Ledge (YouTube) –
The NPR Tiny Desk Concert series gives performers no place to hide in a pared-down setting.
Holmes Brothers have nothing to hide, and give a close-up example of what I love and respect
about them –