The Sensational Barnes Brothers. The name sounds like it could belong to a gospel revue act doing the rounds across the Chitlin’ Circuit.

The brothers are vocalists Chris and Courtney Barnes, whose mother Deborah was one of Ray Charles’ Raelettes. Singing with their family in various incarnations over the years, the brothers now operate as a duo. Their debut album Nobody’s Fault But My Own is the first release from the Bible & Tire label, a new imprint formed by Big Legal Mess Recordings and Bruce Watson of Fat Possum Records. Says Courtney, ‘This new record is more edgy. Our parents taught us how to harmonize, to be more controlled. So this record opens us up. It’s more raw. I’m usually not a squaller, unless I’m excited.’

Nobody’s Fault But My Own comprises covers of obscure gospel songs from Memphis based label Designer Records, active from 1968-78 and one of the larger gospel labels of its time.

‘I’m Trying To Go Home’, the Brothers’ first single, is a cover from Mississippi gospel group O’Neal and The Dean Brothers (the original recording is in fact titled ‘I Am Going Home’). Compared to the sparse, almost rootsy original, The Barnes Brothers thicken up the piece by slapping horns and organ onto the groove. The vocals are great.

Image Copyright: Bible & Tire Recording Co