The Other Brothers
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Music
Press
The Other Brothers is the musical partnership of Chris Neufeld and Donovan Giesbrecht and, while they're not actually brothers, they play like they could be. Points of View is a stripped-down collection of textured folk ballads that boast vivid narratives and near-perfect harmonies - all created with just a pair of voices and guitars (and the occasional banjo). Producer Mike Petkau expertly captures the nuances of the 10 songs here and the result is, without question, striking. A bit more variety would have been appreciated (it all gets a bit sleepy half-way through) but, overall, this is an accomplished effort.
— Jen Zoratti - Uptown Magazine
By some strange luck last February I overheard Chris Neufeld in the studio at CKUW. His is one of the most alluring voices I have every heard. It is a rich tenor, with a Chet Baker like heat, and soft timber. I left a pool of drool on the consol (so embarrassing).
So after months of waiting to hear it again, there is finally a recording. Colorado Low is Neufeld's debut effort. The songs are classically folk pop, with simplistic instrumentation - primarily acoustic guitar, pedal steel and drums. His lyrics seem thoughtful and poetic but really, people, the guy could be singing me a list of my ugliest sins and I wouldn't care. It's that good. I think his voice outshines the songs, but that's a good thing. There is more to look forward to. (Sigh. Swoon.) (Independent) Jo Snyder - Stylus
Donovan Giesbrecht and Chris Neufeld, the pair of singer songwriters behind the Other Brothers, throw their first album right into the crowded folk scene of Winnipeg, and in doing so, quickly establish themselves as one of the better bands of the genre. The Simon and Garfunkel comparisons quickly come to mind when hearing this album, but the Other Brothers are also reminiscent of musicians who would appear on Garrison Keillor's "A Prairie Home Companion," like Robin and Linda Williams. Their songs are simple, but have a nice sense of melody. When the Brothers sing together, like in "Suit and Tie," their voices complement each other. Neither one tries to outshine the other brother. (Yes, I wanted to use that pun. Roll your eyes and move on.) In addition, a good majority of this album feels more upbeat, and less morose than other folk artists. They, however, still have a hallmark of the folk genre: the social issue song ("Sargent Avenue"), but even that song is well done. Giesbrecht and Neufeld are a truly good duo that has crafted an interesting first album. I'd gladly listen to their next one. (Independent, www.theotherbrothers.ca)
Charles Lefebvre - Stylus Magazine
Discography
The Other Brothers - Points of View (2009)
Chris Neufeld - Colorado Low (2005)
Photos
Bio
After being labeled “The Simon and Garfunkel of the Prairies” by CBC radio, and subsequently releasing their debut album to a sold-out crowd at the Park Theatre (Winnipeg, 2009), the Other Brothers firmly rooted themselves in the prairie folk music scene.
Since its release, Points of View has captured a growing audience. The Brothers -- Chris Neufeld and Donovan Giesbrecht -- are regularly featured on CBC radio, CFAM, and campus stations CKUW and UMFM, where they charted in the top ten throughout the summer months, including a #1 listing for 3 consecutive weeks (UMFM).
Their live performances tap into the core of the folk music tradition: simplicity, authenticity, harmony, and humour. They are crafty storytellers and mindful songwriters, delivering memorable melodies that leave audiences wanting more.
Chris's earlier solo career met a similar reception. After being featured on CBC radio's Culture Shock, and sharing the stage with the likes of Fred Eaglesmith and Nathan, Chris's first full length album, Colorado Low, ranked #1 for three weeks on the UMFM campus charts, and was later selected by the station as one of the top ten albums of 2005. Those who have heard Chris live—whether on stage at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, the Brandon Folk Music and Arts Festival, or the West End Cultural Centre—will agree with Jo Snyder of Stylus Magazine: "His is one of the most alluring voices I have ever heard."
Prior to the Other Brothers, Donovan's supporters were more likely to see him promoting other Manitoban talents than seeking attention for himself. Donovan was a founding member of Manitoba's Mennofolk Festival, now a thriving annual event celebrating young talent within the Mennonite community. In 2007, he sang background vocals on Cara Luft's The Light Fantastic—her first project since her involvement with The Wailin' Jennys—and he continues to contribute to her live concerts. Still, over the years, solo performances at the Back Forty Folk Festival, Academy Coffee Company, and the West End Cultural Centre have kept audiences loyal and waiting for more.
In a genre dominated by the solo singer-songwriter, the Other Brothers are set apart by the natural blend of their vocals and the maturity of their arrangements, and are quickly being recognized as “one of the better bands of their genre” (Stylus Magazine, October 2009).
www.theotherbrothers.ca
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