When the Crisler Brothers (Jamey and Justin), a.k.a. The Alabama Brothers, claim they’re the only Blues impersonators in the state and, to their knowledge, the only impersonators in the world who are actual brothers, its hard to dispute it — especially when it’s said with a stern expression topped with night-black Ray-Bans.
Unlike the characters musicians/actors John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd made famous by the 1980 movie that sets the record for most cars wrecked in one film, the Crislers never spent time behind bars. Justin Crisler, 29, now performs the Blues full time. He is in charge of marketing and is co-founder of the act. Justin is married and has two children. Jamey Crisler, 36, is a Licensed Nurse when not touring the world as Jake Blues. He is married and has 4 children. Once in their Blues outfits, all that changes.
“Our musicians are from all over the country and we have put together the best showman with the best musicians to take this to another level of entertainment.” Justin said. Riding in the back seat of the “Bluesmobile,” surrounded by speakers and other sound equipment, staring at the silhouettes of the Crislers is like watching one long extended scene from the movie. On the road, one sometimes feels he’s experiencing things that might have ended up on the movie’s cutting-room floor.
Jamey has the lead vocals and Justin blows a mean Hohner special 20 harmonica. Their show staples include “Soul Man” , “Hey, Bartender”, “Stand By Your Man”, “Give Me Some Lovin”, “Rawhide” and many other great R & B and Blues Brothers tunes.
The Alabama Brothers have performed around the World. As of 2007, the Brothers have performed in 22 states and 2 foreign countries. From the Mississippi Delta, to the top of Rockefeller Center New York City, to the continent of Japan, these Brothers have spread the Blues around.
They’ve also performed for fund-raisers including campaigns for the national World War II Memorial, American Cancer Society, American Red Cross and the Children’s Miracle Network to name a few. “When we perform, it’s a clean act that all ages can enjoy.” ”We’re on a Mission of Fun!” Saying that, while wearing the suits and dark sunglasses, you have to believe them.