There is some sort of magic gestalt with sibling musical acts — a special understanding that comes from lifelong intimate knowledge — and I got to witness it first-hand last night at Roanoke’s hip 202 Market when Brooklyn’s The Gregory Brothers made a tour stop. Featuring stunning songwriting and a laid-back soulful sound, these three brothers plus one Sarah Fullen may be one of the best bands you’ve never heard of.
Sarah Fullen opened the show with a solo set and quickly captured the crowd’s attention with her dynamic voice and songwriting. Switching effortlessly from silky head voice to a powerful growl, Fullen quickly let everyone know they were in for a great night of music.
The Gregory Brothers took the lead for the final set of the evening, fronted by Andrew on guitar and Evan on the keys. Fullen held down the bottom end, and brother Michael tastefully kept things together on the drums. Later in the set they invited Blue Moonshine’s Will Farmer up on stage to add great guitar leads to the mix. Every song these guys kicked out was strong — literate lyrics and just enough jazz in the melodies to keep you excited about each change. As a songwriter, nearly every song was one I wish I’d written, and as an audience member the whole set was riveting. If you can’t catch these guys on their current east coast tour swing, don’t miss the songs on their myspace — the Gregory Brothers demand and deserve your undivided attention.
