Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

In recent times, four virtuoso pedal steel guitar exponents from the Church Of The Living God in the US have seeped into mainstream consciousness under the name of the Slide Brothers and their debut album - heralded by mentor, producer and fellow pedal steel virtuoso Robert Randolph - makes it clear why the foursome are proving to be a hit amongst blues fans. Consisting of Chuck and Darick Campbell and part-time vocalists Calvin Cooke and Aubrey Ghent, the Slide Brothers ply their trade in electrifying fashion as they reference both secular and sanctified blues influences to great effect. From the opener - an accomplished cover of the Allman Brothers number "Don't Keep Me Wonderin'" - it's clear that the boys mean business and versions of Elmore James songs such as "The Sky Is Crying" and "It Hurts Me Too" together with a high octane facsimile of Eric Clapton's take on the traditional "Motherless Children" are a joy to experience. An instrumental rendition of the old spiritual "Wade In The Water" and the fun closer "No Cheap Seats In Heaven" bring to light the underlying gospel feel of the album whilst the decision to include a sanctified version of Fatboy Slim's "Praise You" - featuring a guest vocal from Shemekia Copeland - is inspired. Elsewhere, a cover of George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord" - with all references to Hare Krishna and regrettably Harrison's keynote slide refrain surgically removed - works surprisingly well to sum up an album of quality blues performances that demand to be checked out.

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