Ball Brothers

Breakthrough
Independent

“Breakthrough” should prove to be just that for the Ball Brothers. Their influences on this CD run the gamut from the Singing Americans to Scott Krippayne.

But rather than mimicking those artists, they make each selection their own. Consider “Keep Me On the Wheel,” which was first cut by Gold City in a pounding swing rhythm. The Ball Brothers’ version keeps the swing, but they don’t try to match the power level of the earlier version. They sing it a cappella.

Or consider “Everyday, Every Hour,” which the Gaither Vocal Band first recorded during their English-Lowry-Franklin years. The Ball Brothers serve it up big band style.

It’s refreshing to listen as the Ball Brothers take several familiar songs in an unexpected direction. The Ball Brothers give these songs new life by casting them in an alternate light. By the way, “Breakthrough” introduces several songs besides the remakes discussed in this review.

(By David Bruce Murray)