Cate Brothers - Struck A Vein (1997)

                                                                   Cate Brothers
The Cate Brothers, Ernie and Earl, have long been a fixture in the local Memphis music scene. Their blend of R&B, soul, blues and original material offers a different slant to standard roots music fare, and that difference is very evident on this disc. Strong material from the pens of the Cates informs this outing, with "I Missed My Dream," "Stranger at My Door," "Hurry Sundown" and the title track all showing their versatility to great effect. Guest turns from Coco Montoya ("I Just Want to Sing"), Reba Russell ("Blue Motel," written by the Cates with Dan Penn), Jay Sheffield ("Can't Keep Up With You") and the Midtown Horns on several tracks add some spice and flair to the proceedings. The Cates' musical approach will easily evoke a more roots-oriented Doobie Brothers to some, especially in Ernie Cate's Michael McDonald-like vocal timbres, but their music is singularly their own.


Tracklist:

01. Struck A Vein 04:34
02. Can´t Keep Up With You 04:02
03. Snake Charmer 04:23
04. Blue Motel 04:29
05. Stranger At My Door 04:12
06. Rocket City Bar 04:52
07. I Missed My Dream 04:06
08. Even Now 04:59
09. Hurry Sundown 05:08
10. I Just Want To Sing 07:27