Blues On Stage - Ronnie Baker Brooks

Ronnie Baker Brooks
@ Whiskey Junction, November 20, 1997
By Stacy Stockhausen

Ronnie Baker Brooks
Whiskey Junction - 1997
Photo © 1997 by Ray Stiles
All rights reserved

Ronnie Baker Brooks is not just a blues musician, he is a showman. Brooks proved that for the small, but loyal crowd at Whiskey Junction. Brooks' trade mark is his black cowboy hat, black leather guitar strap with his full name studded in silver from back to front, and his own rip roaring style of Chicago Blues.

Brooks is a second generation blues guitarist -- his father is the legendary Lonnie Brooks. Following in his father's footsteps, he plays the classic Chicago Blues and some original works.

Ronnie Baker Brooks
Whiskey Junction - 1997
Photo © 1997 by Ray Stiles
All rights reserved
At one point in the performance Ronnie dedicated a song to his friend, the late Luther Allison, stating that through him Allison's music would live on. The crowd at Whiskey also heard songs such as "Black Cat Bone" and "Bald Headed Woman."

Just when his fans thought it couldn't get any better than this, Brooks demonstrated his showmanship when he got down from the stage and played to the crowd. Brooks made his way past the dance floor to the entrance of the long oblong bar and walked behind it to the bartenders.

Ronnie Baker Brooks
Whiskey Junction - 1997
Photo © 1997 by Ray Stiles
All rights reserved
While still playing, he maneuvered his guitar behind his back in order to suck down a drink. He then placed the guitar behind his head as he climbed on top of the bar. The crowd went wild, as Brooks towered over them and proceeded to bend some screaming notes and pick the strings with his teeth. It was a musical experience to remember.

Dave "Biscuit" Miller
Whiskey Junction - 1997
Photo © 1997 by Ray Stiles
All rights reserved
In between sets, Brooks walked around and introduced himself to his fans. During the break, I got an opportunity to talk to the blues man. I told him that every time I'd seen him play, he got off the stage and played to the audience. He responded by saying that he does this to remind himself who he's playing for (the audience). And play for the audience he did. If you ever get the chance to see Ronnie Baker Brooks, take it!!

E-mail Ray Stiles at: mnblues@aol.com

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Copyright © 1997 by Ray M. Stiles
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.