Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro � November 2009  

 

 

    To those of you who over the years have followed my reviews, this artists name should be quite familiar.  During the past half a dozen years, this is the fourth release from Danny Brooks that I've had the pleasure of working on, and listening to as well. "Soulsville III" was recorded on May 27, 2009, "Live At the Palais Royale" in Toronto, Canada".  The disc is distinctive Danny Brooks - a classic mix of smokin' blues, old school R&B, soul and Gospel music that consists of spiritual and uplifting lyrics based on true life experiences.    

 

    Saying that the majority of the music on "Soulsville III" is 'original' just doesn't cut it - the word 'original' just isn't descriptive enough.  Writing music about your life growing up in a poor neighborhood, about how you lived on the streets, about your addictions, incarcerations, rehabilitation and ultimately your redemption, needs to be called 'real original' music.  As the saying goes, Danny Brooks has been there, done that. 

 

    On this project, The Rockin' Revelators consist of Lance Anderson on the B3 organ & piano, Bucky Berger on drums, Jerome Godboo on harmonica, "Papa" John King on guitar & slide guitar, Amoy and Ceceal Levy on vocals, Dennis Pinhorn on bass, John "Rocky" Verweel on trumpet, Ed Zankowski on saxophone and, of course, their leader - Danny Brooks on vocals, harmonica, acoustic & slide guitar.

 

    The opening track is a story about a trip that Danny took to "Carolina", some 40 years ago.  Danny sheds a whole new light on why "Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina".   For him, it was the smell of the sweet magnolias that filled the air and the sound of the sweet soul music that could be heard everywhere.  Danny's vocals, the tandem slide guitar work between him and "Papa" John, the hot rhythm & piano and very melodic background vocals all highlight this one. 

        

    With it's sermon worthy lyrics and the enthusiastically soulful way in which it was sung, this track had me felling as if I should be listening from "Down On My Knees".  Danny, Amoy and Ceceal are inspiring on the vocals, while Danny and John add a heavenly feel on guitar and trumpet.  

 

    With the way he tells it, Danny makes it sound so easy to understand.  Sometimes when there are dark clouds all around, just remember.....the sun is always shining on the "Other Side of the Clouds".  The smokin' harp, sax, piano and guitar highlights will have you shakin', and this rocker may very well move you in more ways than one.  

 

     "Hold On", is a song about the many things that Danny, of course, wants to hold on to.  In addition to the very obvious, such as the love his life, Danny puts an emphasis on memories of the past.  Using old songs as a reference, he pays tribute to some of his apparent musical inspirations......Sam Cooke, Bobby Blue Bland, Joe Tex, Gladys Knight and several others.  John, Ed and Vance, on the horns and organ, highlight this foot tappin' sing along.

 

    "Soulsville III" closes out with a bonus acoustic track titled "The Holy Ghost Highway".  It's a duet between Danny - who sings the moving vocals and plays the harp & acoustic guitar - and his Lord - who provides the inspiration and wisdom.   

 

    Other tracks on this wonderful disc include: "Hold Your Head Up", "Somebody On Your Bond", "Righteous Highway", "Carry Me", "Still Got This Thing For You", "No Turnin Back" and "Homestead Boogie".

 

    Although so called "Spiritual" or "Gospel" music are generally limited to a niche following, Danny Brooks should be considered the crossover.  By no stretch of the imagination do I consider myself to be self righteous and/or spiritual, yet I find his music moving.  I truly believe that fans of Blues, Soul, Gospel, R&B, and even Country Music, will love this disc.  Check it out for yourself by going to - www.dannybrooksmusic.com, and when you're there, please tell Danny the Blewzzman sent ya.

 

Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro

Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com