The talent you’ll find among Alabama musicians never ceases to amaze.
A good case in point would be the Mobile-based Mulligan Brothers, who are drawing growing attention throughout the southeastern U.S.
The Mulligan Brothers perform in Birmingham, Alabama, August 14, 2014.
No, they’re not brothers with the same last name; instead, the group’s name originates from golfing’s mulligan, which refers to a do-over (associations with previous bands were not as successful).
Colleen and I had the chance to first hear this group when they performed earlier this year on Alabama’s Gulf Coast.
When the Mulligans set an August 14th visit to Birmingham’s Moonlight on the Mountain, I knew we’d have to be there.
We were not disappointed.
Ross Newell, lead singer, has a voice Colleen describes as a cross between James Taylor and Paul Simon. However you’d describe his voice, Newell’s sound draws you in. His excellent guitar skills only add to the impact of his lyrics.
But the Mulligan Brothers are most definitely a team effort, and the mix of people works well. The style is perhaps best described as somewhere between country and folk.
Gram Rea does an outstanding job of support with his stringed instrument melodies and vocal accompaniment. Ben Leininger’s suitcase bass is a visual treat to see, but his musical skills are solid, as are those of drummer Greg DeLuca.
Singer Ross Newell brings powerful vocals and superb mastery of the guitar to the sound of The Mulligan Brothers.
With one CD already released, the group is about to start recording a second album.
From well written songs to soft vocals, The Mulligan Brothers’ music can make you downright emotional at times.
If this is, in fact, a do-over, the reaction we see from audiences is clear: They got it right this time.
No doubt about it: The Mulligan Brothers are a treat.
During their Birmingham visit, I asked Gram if it would be okay to capture some of The Mulligan Brothers on video, so others could enjoy. His answer: “Sure!”
Click the player in the window below to sample the first two songs from their opening. Both are on their album, and include Cecilia, a tune more and more followers love to hear.
Enjoy!
Tags: alabama, Ben Leininger, birmingham, gram rea, Greg DeLuca, mobile, moonlight on the mountain, music, ross newell, the mulligan brothers
