About Me
New Orleans' self-proclaimed "pioneers of jam-funk," Brides of Jesus, have released a slab of rock and soul titled Saints and Sinners. A revelatory glimpse into the cultivated influences that make the music of New Orleans tick, Saints and Sinners contains magical covers and riveting original material. The opening number, "Don't Let Go" appeals to jam lovers everywhere, hitting just the right benchmarks of the Jerry Garcia Band set staple. Nori Naraoka's bass drives through the mix, creating open diversions for the other instrumentalists to take advantage of. Charlie Dennard goes to the floor, banging on his B-3 organ and keyboards at the same time: "Mean" Willie Green's smooth brush back on drums and cymbals is at the heart of this soul fest, turning the beat around at the drop of a hat. And, Bill Iuso leans in heavily, tastefully adding to Brides' over all sound with guitar licks that straddle the parallel between menacing and uplifting. His vocals make the dance worthwhile, and "don't Let Go" sets the stage for Saints and Sinners' many thrilling surprises."Earle" is a funk based number penned by Iuso that stretches the parameters of this talented quintet's abilities. Ivan Neville plays naturally off Iuso's sizzling leads. Plus, Russell Batiste drives "Earle's" moment with his big, pounding drum style.Arguably, the finest moment on this inspiring release is the choice covering of Stevie Wonder's "Jesus Children of America". Brides of Jesus' version of the Innervisions classic almost transcends the original, and sounds like it would fit naturally into any Neville Brothers project. Bill Iuso handles the lead vocal with confidence while being backed up ably by Earl Smith and Nick Daniels. Charlie Dennard's B3 and fender Rhodes playing provides the canvas upon which Batiste's drums paint the forefront. With solid stick work by Naraoka as well as Mark Pero's Lead Mutron bass taking over the bottom end, Iuso and Neville's guitars mesh together to take "Jesus Children of America" to new heights.The title track is a patchwork of New Orleans style piano boogie courtesy of Dennard, and smoking, soulful rhythm laid down by Pero and Batiste. Iuso fills in the spaces with intuitive acoustic and electric flavoring on guitar."Grants Slant" is another instrumental that comes straight out of the Galactic-MMW songbook, although it's difficult to pin down just who influenced who. Dennard is all over the number, and Batiste puts on a drum clinic, taking "Grants Slant" to dizzying climaxes. Nori Naraoka's heavy, vibrating bass carries the rock and roll balance as Bill Iuso slams in with peaking electric guitar and Pete Townshend-like vocals on the out-of-left-field cover of the Who's "Eminence Front".Completed by the brass section of Mark Mullins, Sammie Williams, Calvin Turner on trombones, "Eminence Front" sparkles, Raising the level of the unusually high quality of material on this daring slice of N'awlins funk rock.With Saints and Sinners, Brides of Jesus writes another down and dirty chapter in the Crescent city songbook. Jam-funk aficionados take notice.-B.W. Bill Whiting
