CD review: Dave and Phil Alvin

Brothers Dave and Phil Alvin might relish the music of Big Bill Broonzy who, arguably, has been as important to American folk music as Leadbelly, Woody Guthrie and Carter Family, yet they haven't wrapped his songs in cotton wool either.

This tribute to a varied career that spanned the late 1920s to the late 1950s is delightfully raw at the edges, courtesy of the razor-sharp lead guitar of Dave (I Feel So Good), occasional fiery harmonica from Phil (Southern Flood Blues), lurching bar-room piano (Stuff They Call Money) and a loose but tight rhythm section clearly intent on having a good time.

  • Dave and Phil Alvin. Common Ground: the songs of Big Bill Broonzy. Yep Roc Records. 3 stars (out of 5)

Single download: All By Myself
For those who like: Taj Mahal, Peter Green

- Shane Gilchrist

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