CD - Danny Brooks: Rock This House

When the Shades site reviewed Danny's previous album Soulsville, we commented on how much we were looking forward to the next release in the southern music trilogy. Eagerly anticipating the addition of downhome horns to an already well rounded sound, we were hoping for a heady mix of classic R&B, soul, gospel, blues and country in a modern context. After all, we've recently seen successful releases for Solomon Burke and, latterly, Bobby Purify, both of which incorporated the traditional southern soul writing style of people like Dan Penn - recordings that were fresh as you like whilst acknowledging the debt to a glorious musical history. So, why not the same for Danny Brooks?

"Soulsville" was a truly fine record, but "Rock This House" definitely moves the whole thing up a notch. Lyrically, the previous album focused extensively on the overtly spiritual, although Shades of Blue found the more secular but still intensely personal songs the strongest on the set. This album broadens the themes, mixing the personal with the spiritual, the serious with the fun. 'Hold On', for example, is a very direct joyous celebration of soul and R&B greats such as Joe Tex, Solomon Burke and Bobby Bland (of course, anyone who name checks Bobby is already ahead of the game!) driven along with a classic R&B lilt.

You can still hear the influences (get the impression Brooks would be disappointed if you couldn't!) but this is Memphis soul, R&B and blues brought bang up to date. Songs might start with a John Lee Hooker vibe, a typical Joe Tex storyline, a bit of Solomon preaching or a Blind Boys gospel refrain, but what develops is a series of well crafted songs that matches anything on the aforementioned lauded releases from Solomon Burke and Bobby Purify. If I had to pigeon-hole Danny's vocal style, then the closest I could get is to the likes of Eddie Hinton when he was at his soul searching and testifying best; more than capable of rocking up a storm, at its very best on the the very fine soul blues ballads such as 'You'll Find A Way'.
The addition of a horn section adds real colour to the material, and the band is truly exceptional. Special mention to Richard Bell (keyboards and production), Ed Zankowski (lead tenor) and Amoy Levey (vocal duet/backing vocals).

If there were any justice, this should be a major seller. It's the equal of anything produced in the country soul vein this year. It's every bit as good as the Dan Penn produced Bobby Purify release "Better To Have It", and that album received universally great reviews in the British music press. The difference, of course, is that the Purify album had the Proper label behind it, a reasonable promotional push, and was easily available at internet sites like Amazon. You're going to have to work a bit harder to get hold of "Rock This House", but you can get it by clicking on the "Buy Now" link under the CD image - it will definitely be worth the effort.

October 2005