Standing “O” at Snow Road welcomes back the Abrams Brothers

Jul 22, 2010

Brothers James and John Abrams

They indeed have music in their blood - four generations of it in fact. On July 18 the latest generation of the Abrams family singers, brothers John and James and cousin Elijah were up front and centre at the John Thomson Hall, their family-owned hall in Snow Road.

It was their first free summer concert of the year and they treated close to 100 loyal friends, family members and fans to some of their old favorites. They also offered a sneak peek at a few numbers from their upcoming album, their fourth to date titled “Northern Redemption”, an album of all original tunes except for one cover titled “Thirteen” by the 1970s band Big Star. The album is due out any week now and according to John Abrams is “a combination of our roots and bluegrass music, with a number of different styles added into the mix.” Influenced by the music of The Band, James defines the new album’s overall flavour as “roots rock”. Both brothers agree that the album defines a new direction for the band. “We're trying to do something that will appeal to our generation because it is something new and at the same time we're also introducing the tradition of very rich and very old bluegrass music to the younger generation”, John said between sets at Sunday's concert.

That “newness” is exemplified in the album’s new single called “Mermaid Town” which they played in their first set, a song of love and hope that the band recently made into a whimsical stop animation video. Also newly released and indicative of their new direction is their video covering Coldplay's hit “Viva La Vida”, which they also covered at Sunday's concert, and which along with Mermaid Town can be viewed on CMT and also on YouTube.

The brothers have been playing together since 1999, when they were a mere six and nine years old. In 2005 they were the youngest Canadians ever to perform at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry. That same year they were named emerging artists of the year at the Canadian Bluegrass Music Awards and one year later were presented with the Daniel Pearl Memorial Violin, which is presented to especially gifted young musicians for a year.

The boys’ musical family history goes back to their great grandparents, who sang as the gospel duo Ray and Leila Abrams. They were later joined by the boys’ grandparents Wayne and Mary Abrams, and then their father Brian Abrams.

Now the band consists of the fourth generation - with John, 19, on lead vocals and guitar and mandolin; James, 17, on vocals, violin and viola; and cousin Elijah, also 19, on acoustic and electric bass. They were joined on Sunday by Brian Abrams on rhythm guitar, who often plays at their local shows, and long-time family friend Glen MacDonald on banjo, who has also been playing with the family for years.

Also included in Sunday's concert were the old classics that they know, love and play so well- like Bill Munroe's “Old Man” and Gordon Lightfoot's “Cold on the Shoulder”. They also performed “City of New Orleans” and other selections from their last release “Blue on Brown”, a compilation of Bob Dylan and Arlo Guthrie tunes done with their own bluegrass spin.

The generations-old legacy they bring to every show is apparent in the overall tightness and ease, and the high energy with which they play-their tone is always authentic and each player’s virtuosity is apparent in every note. James Abrams explained, “We've played so much together that if somebody looks at the other guy we know exactly what he means”.

Their grandparents Wayne and Mary also attended the concert, which brings back a lot of memories for them both. “I get really emotional and I am really proud of them. The boys learned how to play music in front of people here - these are their roots and where they come from so it's always been very special to see them play here,” said Wayne Abrams.

The band’s next gig is in New York City at the 92 Street Y in Tribeca. They will be playing again in Snow Road on August 22 at 2pm. For more information visit www.theabramsbrothers.com

Wayne Abrams will be performing with Bob Burtch as one half of the Abrams-Burtch Connection on Saturday July 31 at 2pm and 8pm at the Flinton Country Bluegrass Jamboree.