​The Whitmore Sisters (from the album Ghost Stories

The Whitmore Sisters (from the album Ghost Stories available on Red House Records) (by Brian Rock)
Sibling songbirds Eleanor and Bonnie Whitmore team up for their debut release as The Whitmore Sisters on Ghost Stories. Both sisters have earned the respect and acclaim of the Americana community over the past decade. Eleanor and her husband, Chris Masterson, have released four well reviewed albums together as The Mastersons. Bonnie has released four equally well received solo albums. Enjoying different, but parallel musical careers, the sisters’ touring schedules left little time for collaboration. And then Covid hit. With touring off the table, the sisters suddenly had an opportunity to reconnect, and with the encouragement of Chris, they decided to take advantage of their ‘down time’ to join their musical talents and commit them to recorded format for the first time.

“Learn to Fly” introduces us to The Whitmore’s harmonizing vocals against a background of ethereal Folk rhythms. Incorporating both electric guitar and classical violin, the song captures the weightlessness of flight. Juxtaposing the desire to fly with the fear of actually taking the controls for the first time, they sing ‘palms may be sweaty, but center it steady. Pull back, it’s time to climb’. The song reminds us that we must face our fears and step out of our comfort zone to fully enjoy all life has to offer. But this is no mere metaphor, as both sisters are licensed pilots and sing this ode to the actual experience of learning to fly. Their combined vocals soar just like the actual planes they fly.

The Whitmore Sisters’ heavenly harmonies shine throughout the album. From the Cajun spiced Country of “Ricky” and “The Ballad of Sissy and Porter” to the haunting balladry of “Superficial World of Love”, “By Design”, and “Ghost Stories”. The orchestral Folk of “Friends We Leave Behind” and “Greek Tragedy”. The Honky-Tonk/Mersey Beat fusion of “Hurtin’ for a Letdown” to the spritely Chris Montez-tinged Rockabilly of “Big Heart Sick Mind”, The Whitmore’s voices combine in powerful synergy to double the emotional impact of each song. Mostly singing about the loss of lovers and friends, Eleanor and Bonnie deliver a double dose of pathos. “Friends We Leave Behind” generalizes about the loss of lovers and friends as we travel life’s long and winding road. Like a sunless winter day, the haunting harmonies and sparse piano and banjo arrangement capture the chilly feel of emptiness when a loved one’s light leaves us. “The Ballad of Sissy and Porter” is much more personal, as they remember their friend Chris Porter who was killed in a tragic accident. Ironically, this is one of the most upbeat tempos on the album, perhaps because the pain of remembrance was too much to take straight on, or perhaps because they wanted to celebrate the good memories rather than the tragic loss. “Greek Tragedy” on the other hand immerses itself in sorrowful minor chords and orchestral blandishments to pay homage to the late, great Justin Townes Earle. Finally, departing from songs about heartache, the sisters offer a song of hope on their cover of “On the Wings of a Nightingale.” The Whitmore Sisters absolutely dazzle on this song. Performing a cover of an Everly Brothers song, written by Paul McCartney and arranged with Buddy Holly-esque baroque instrumentation, the sisters’ vocals match the Hall of Fame talent they commemorate. (by Brian Rock)

Listen and buy the music of The Whitmore Sisters from AMAZON
 
Please visit The Whitmore Sisters website for more information

---