Musicians Shannon Whitworth and Barrett Smith have collaborated on this compilation of covers that’s been dubbed Bring It On Home. Beginning with the title-track, “Bring It On Home To Me,” this pair flaunt the meshing quality that their voices have with one another. Originally written by Sam Cooke, the artists create a down-home feel, with the easygoing guitars and an organ that’s unique to them. This 12-song selection of the duo’s favorite songs are widely popular throughout the history of American music. “Moonglow” is slow and subtle, with jazz-inspired keys and trumpet playing. Our vocalists croon over gentle guitar strumming with subdued precision, resulting in an underdone blues solo at the apex of this number. Shannon Whitworth’s vocal range has time to shine on this one, as she projects her soulful voice without ever going over-the-top.
Drawing upon influences of folk and jazz, these two approach their performance recorded here in a relaxed and confident manner, making for easy listening that stays interesting. On song number four, “Duncan,” Barrett Smith’s vocal talent steals the show as he recites the storytelling style lyrics of this cut. The banjo element to this song is the icing on the cake, as it keeps a quick time throughout this track’s duration over the underlying hum of a violin. With a Latin quality to the beat of the song, “Sway” is catchy, incorporates more jazz, and explores the diverse musical abilities that this band has within themselves. The record closes with a classic, “You Are My Sunshine,” in a twangy, lullaby-like form with Shannon Whitworth’s pining voice at the forefront alongside the notes of a piano. Shannon Whitworth and Barrett Smith make hearing these familiar songs pleasant again.
In A Word: Natural
