When Danny Brooks conquered his demons and made a commitment to lead the righteous life, he vowed to harness his gifts in God's service by embarking on a crusade to spread the message in as exciting and thrilling a manner possible. 'Soulsville: Souled Out 'n' Sanctified' is the opening chapter of the Soulsville Trilogy Project, a trio of releases intended to chronicle the life and emotions of Danny Brooks through his chosen means of expression: a heartfelt mixture of bone-shaking gospel, blues, soul, and country.
The critically acclaimed and hair-raising 'Saved' CD, featured the Northern Blues All Stars; yet it would have been an inconceivable venture without the singular contributions of Danny Brooks & the Rockin' Revelators. Sisters Ciceal and Amoy Levy are revelations, and along with tenor Hiram Joseph they make the Revelators a backup supreme, a gospel chorus that ranks with the best in North America. Every note sung is touched by a palpable sense of passion and conviction.
To those not privy to DB's voice, it's been compared to Eddie Hinton, Ted Hawkins, Taj Mahal, and Hank Williams. He's an abstainer now, but Brook's raspy vocals are etched by a life once lived too fast and too hard for the body's capacity: one that had left him on the verge of self-destruction before finally making peace with The Man Upstairs. As Jim Dickinson (famed Atlantic/American Studio musician and producer) told Brooks: "I hear the conflict and resolution in your music." Truthful words, as all 12-tracks explore the twin themes of suffering and redemption.
'Soulsville' is DB's homage to Memphis---the earthly place where his musical soul dwells. His humble entreaty that he might visit Beale Street just one more time is uplifting in its earnest simplicity. "Fence Me In" testifies about the heavy burden of temptation, yet soon switches to a simple prayer requesting the Higher Power steer him from straying too far from the fold. It also features an immaculate arrangement, with Mitch Lewis and Colin Linden handling twin guitar duties, with the Rockin' Revelators pumping out their impassioned brand of holy witness. Certainly any parent will identify with the emotional turmoil at the heart of "You Won't Show", dealing with father-son estrangement. It explores the difficult soul-searching and unpleasant truths that must be dealt with prior to reconciliation.
"Have Mercy" is a bluesy chant, with lyrics based on Psalms chapter 6, a biblical text that speaks of the tender mercies of God. This is a very traditional-sounding tune, thanks to the bluegrass-influenced mandolin of Mitch Lewis, as well as Brooks' country-tinged harmonica stylings. But it's those raw-edged vocals that really command your attention.
Newcomer (at least to me) Esther Kessler duets with Danny on two cuts with a definite old-time country feel: "Lift Me" and "Walk That Walk". She's reminiscent of a combination of Allison Krauss and Emmylou Harris.
Danny and Company shine on 'Soul Satisfied', a rousing gospel soul blaster with some delicious Cajun-style accordion. "Standing On the Rock" sounds just like the title implies, and it's guaranteed to raise a crowd off their chairs quicker than a free buffet.
Ordering Details: www.dannybrooksmusic.com
Buy this CD NOW:
Your purchase through the Amazon.com links at the end of each review, or by simply clicking on this banner (below) to order this or many other products from Amazon, helps to support this website as well as the featured blues artist.
"This review is copyright © 2004 by Gary Tate, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without permission."
Copyright reuse notice: If you would like to reprint or use this review please include the above copyright notice, contained within the quotation marks, PLUS this statement: "Used with permission." Then send an email to Ray at: mnblues@aol.com indicating how you are using the review or the website page address it will be appearing on. Thanks!
Your purchase through the Amazon.com links at the end of each review, or by simply clicking on this banner (below) to order this or many other products from Amazon, helps to support this website as well as the featured blues artist.
Click on this banner to get you new low percent credit card:
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! You can help support this blues website by making a contribution (click on the banner below for details).
Or mail a donation to: Ray Stiles % Blues On Stage, PO Box 582983, Mpls, MN 55458. Thanks!
Web Hosting & Design:
CLICK HERE for Web Design SPECIAL, get your own website for just $75.
The most affordable web hosting and design services available. Click Here
to find out how you can host your current site at Blues On Stage, or how I can help you design your own website!
If you would like your CD reviewed, please send TWO (2) copies, along with promotional material to:
Blues On Stage
PO Box 582983
Minneapolis, MN 55458-2983
E-mail Ray Stiles @ mnblues@aol.com with any questions.
We build websites