2011 IBMA Vocal Group of the Year, The Gibson Brothers—Eric and Leigh—are widely recognized as the finest brother duet in bluegrass music today. Winner of the esteemed 2011 IBMA Album of the Year Award, HELP MY BROTHER is their tenth release and arguably the finest in the duo’s career. The album features 12 tracks, most of which are originals, and all which feature the ensemble’s tight arrangements as well as the contributions of band members Clayton Campbell (fiddle), Joe Walsh (mandolin) and Mike Barber (upright bass). Several guests make cameo appearances on the album as well including Ricky Skaggs (mandolin and vocals), Alison Brown (banjo), Mike Witcher (Dobro) and former IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Claire Lynch. The album’s overarching theme is the important things in life, a message which harkens back to the childhood Leigh and Eric shared growing up on the family farm in upstate New York. Each of the songs on the album enforces this uplifting motif. The title track “Help My Brother” was written by Leigh Gibson and explores the golden rule in a new light. “Walking West to Memphis” recounts the story of a roustabout who, down on his luck, realizes that the happiness he seeks will be found in the arms of his Memphis girl. The Brothers also pay tribute to classic brother duos on a pair of covers: “He Can Be Found in a Mother’s Smile” (The Louvin Brothers) and “I’ll Love Nobody But You” (Jim and Jesse McReynolds). With its uplifting message and tight brother harmonies, HELP MY BROTHER will further establish The Gibson Brothers as one of the most important bands in bluegrass music today.
