Brothers Jack Torrey and Page Burkum of The Cactus Blossoms create some great harmonies reminiscent of another pair, The Everly Brothers. The Cactus Blossoms’ new debut album You’re Dreaming, featuring mostly songs written by each of the brothers, is essential listening for classic country fans.
On The Cactus Blossoms’ website, the brothers discuss how as Minnesota teenagers they began to be enthralled by pre-1960s country music. They explain, “We weren’t born in the wrong era. We just got into some music from a different era and found a way to make it our own.”
I am always a sucker for tight country vocals that blend well, and there is something about the way that brothers can sing together. Burkham explains to Rolling Stone, though, that he thinks the brotherly bond adds to the music in another way: their sense of rhythm. He reasons, “If you have two good singers who aren’t related, they can both hit beautiful notes together, but if their timing is different or the way they breathe is different, it will have a harder time linking up.”
See what you think of their vocals and their rhythm. Below is “Stoplight Kisses” from You’re Dreaming.
In this video, the brothers perform “Here Today, Gone Tomorrow” at Rhythm & Roots. If you hear a little of the ghost of Hank Williams, you are not alone.
You’re Dreaming
Leave your two cents in the comments.
(Some related Chimesfreedom posts.)