Memphis Royal Brothers

Royal Records

Inspired by the documentary “Take Me To The River”, filmed at the legendary Royal Recording Studio in Memphis, Richard Bolen and his brother Gary, conceived the idea of creating a namesake band around the studio’s iconic environs while enlisting Boo Mitchell, son of the renowned producer Willie Mitchell of Hi-Records fame, and co-producer Richard Bolen. The storied group of vocalists include Grammy Award winners Bobby Rush and Jim Lauderdale, Grammy nominee Charlie Musselwhite, Wendy Moten a protege of Vince Gill, and Marcus Scott formerly of Tower of Power.

Opening with “Good God I Got The Blues”, with words and music by Gary and Richard Bolen, Bobby Rush is the featured artist on harmonica and lead vocal as he sings “everytime I see her walk, I get weighed down with the blues”. On “Goin’ South” we get to hear the vocal and harmonica of Charlie Musselwhite as he chimes “where goin’ so far south you got cotton in your mouth”, with an ensemble that includes the Rev. Charles Hodges, Hammond B-3; Lester Snell, piano; guitarists Michael Toles and Gary Bolen; Jackie Clark, bass; and Steve Potts, drums. The four-piece horn section includes Marc Franklin, trumpet and arrangements; Kirk Smothers, baritone sax; Lannie McMillan, tenor sax; and Kameron Whalum, trombone. They also utilize a six-piece string section arranged by Lester Snell.

“Brand New Heart”, includes words and music by Wes Hamil and Paul Williams, and a vocal duet with Moten and Lauderdale, as they harmonize “I’ve always been a loner…I know when I first held you I found a brand new heart…with a master view that’s never been broken…I got a brand new heart, I’ve been saving it for you”. “Ready To Rise”, with words and music by Wes Hamil, is a vocal from Moten as she chants “got a reason to be ready to rise”.

“Gimme Back The Keys To My Cadillac” is a funky song featuring music from Gary, and lyrics by him, his brother Richard, and Hamil; as Scott sings “don’t you be goin’ nowhere, gimme back my keys”. “Hot Night In June”, another vocal from Scott, includes Luther Dickinson on guitar, and McMillan on tenor sax. “What Mothers Do”, from Gary Bolen and Hamil, includes Gary on lead guitar while Scott chimes “get on your knees and pray…that’s what mothers do”.

The closer “I Fall To Pieces”, originally sung by Patsy Cline”, includes the lyric “how can I just be your friend, you want to act like we never kissed, how can I, you walk by, and I fall to pieces…I fall to pieces each time someone speaks your name…time only adds to the flame”.

This incredible ensemble results in an album for the ages, music that shares a timeless tradition, masterfully performed for all to enjoy, over and over again, as it reflects on the bloodlines of roots, blues, and rock n’ roll.

Richard Ludmerer
Contributing Editor/Making A Scene

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