Aside from a lesson in “this is a sample of Philly {Philadelphia}-style soul,” how else do I describe something from two guys (Art Austin and Tim Gleeson), two gents aka Luck Brothers--when this is something that seems to have vanished in the mysteries of “artist{s} who never got a break”?
The Luck Brothers, a black/white duo who specialized in the small gigs around the City of Brotherly Love, caught my attention in ‘04 at the Tin Angel when they opened for Rory Block, the legendary blues award-winning lady who can play the old acoustic style so hard her fingers have bled onstage.
The release of Pain was one I endorsed to various outlets and magazines--and I kept up contact with Tim in an effort to try and get them better management as well as a more aggressive label.
With the help of a few friends, the Luck Brothers have left behind something that is fun, simple in its arrangements, and even a bit wistful. Staying close with each other (Austin plays percussion and does lead vocals; Gleeson adds in guitar, keyboards, and backup vocals), along with a bassist and some b/g vocals too, this is sweet stuff that would have lit up any good party.
The title song brought a lot of laughter, especially from the women in the audience, as Art easily played up “pain in the…as I know it” as his way of complementing his lady. “Boom Bottom” (one that our man DC should enjoy) makes it really clear which part of the female anatomy gets Art’s attention--and I love the opening lick Tim hits on guitar.
But a two-part serenade on the classic “You Don’t Know Me/ Come Live With Me” puts a more sincere light on the two guys: Tim takes the first part in a cocktail bar-style vocal and jazz guitar/piano background, with Art chiming in. They switch roles as Art takes over with his heart in his hand and one knee on the ground as he proposes to his sweetheart in the second half, and Tim adds in agreements.
Finally, the CD wraps up as “I Can Never Win” tells of rejected love and perhaps the fate of the Luck Brothers: they just could not “ever win,” no matter how much we tried. It was something we sure had put down for the odds in their favor. Tim wrote to me recently to ask for a review of his new CD, which I gladly did, and it’s there on his site at http://www.timgleeson.com. I hope he brought a rabbit’s foot and maybe a four-leaf clover because I wish him ALL the luck in the world!
