If they could, the
Sprague Brothers would change the world, one song
at a time. From their earliest released recordings
in 1990 through their highly acclaimed Hightone
CD’s and their recent releases on Wichita
Falls Records, the Sprague Brothers have forged
a clear and steady path, as leader Frank Lee Sprague
says, “Influenced by none, inspired by many.”
With their roots in hometown Wichita Falls, Texas,
the Sprague Brothers travel the musical map, fusing
their love for the music of fellow Texans Buddy
Holly and Bobby Fuller with a touch of surf here
and a touch of Merseybeat there, all blended into
a superb and remarkable brand of rock ‘n’
roll uniquely Sprague. On Changing the World, One
Chick at a Time, Wichita Falls Records presents
every facet of Frank and Chris Sprague’s artistry,
from Sun Records-style rockabilly, to Everly Brothers-style
ballads, to dazzling instrumentals and a dollop
of Texas swing. Along the way, listeners experience
the stunning musicianship of guitarist extraordinaire,
Frank Lee Sprague, who plays every note on a variety
of guitars, as well as featured drumming and harmony
singing, by Chris Sprague.
The album leads off with the witty story-song,
“Rockabilly Twist,” a countrified rocker
which will prove popular on the dance floor. Listen
for Chris Sprague quoting “Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow”
as the song fades.Brother acts are famous for their
close harmonies. The Sprague Brothers are long-time
fans of the fabulous Everly Brothers. On the haunting,
“I’ve Got It Made,” Frank Sprague
sings with Don Everly’s son, Edan. The song
features a rich acoustic backing and beautiful interweaving
vocals.
“I Want to Be Her Man,” with its classic,
lean sound and intimate, heartfelt lead vocal by
Frank, is the sort of timeless song that could be
a hit in any era. “I’m Setting Jake”
(a saying from Wichita Falls) and “You’re
Scarce” (a phrase used by Elvis Presley in
the film, Blue Hawaii) sets you right down at the
Sun studios with Sam Phillips at the helm. This
is rockabilly at its purest and most authentic,
second nature to the gifted Sprague Brothers.
“Wormwood” is an example of what the
Sprague Brothers do best, creating a model recording
that in a just world would be an international smash
hit. Amazingly catchy, sung with raw power, the
song has the drive and feel of Bobby Fuller at his
rockingest. Special guest Randy Fuller plays bass
guitar on the track and provides background vocals
as well.
Other standout tracks include the ballad, “No
One Cares,” with a tender vocal by Frank and
featuring unusual use of backing and harmony vocals
which build in power and intensity that brings ‘brothers
harmony’ into the third millennium. An intimate
number, “Little Star,” has the quiet
passion of one of Buddy Holly’s ballads and
includes a special string arrangement by Frank.
The romantic, “Keep on Loving Me,” pulls
at the heart and demonstrates just how wonderfully
Frank and Chris sing together. It’s an Everly-style
number with a Latin beat.
No Sprague Brothers album is complete without a
bevy of bonus tracks, and Changing the World proves
no exception. The best cover versions surpass the
original hands down, and with “American Music,”
the Sprague Brothers do just that, adding tribute
“signature” riffs from Chuck Berry,
Jerry Lee Lewis, the Ventures and Buddy Holly, and
in a clever nod to the universality of rock ‘n’
roll, including a harmonica solo straight out of
the Beatles via fellow Texan, Delbert McClinton.
The Sprague Brothers’ work has wowed reviewers
in Rolling Stone, Playboy, The Washington Post,
The New Yorker, and many other magazines and newspapers.
They have appeared on CBS nationwide television
and National Public Radio, and have performed live
around the world, including several successful tours
of Japan. Other albums available include, The Savage
Sprague Brothers on Wichita Falls Records, The Best
of the EssBee CD’s on El Toro/Wichita Falls
Records, and Let the Chicks fall Where they May
and Forever and a Day, on Hightone Records. This
new LP is another great addition to the Sprague
Bros library, so join them as they change the world,
ONE CHICK AT A TIME!
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