Melusine Records released Brook's solo CD, "The Great Blues Sea". The album uses the blues as a spring board for musical explorations of American musical genres. the album is of particular interest to media focused on environmental, pagan, and blues music audiences.
Berkeley, CA (PRWEB) April 15, 2004 -– Melusine Records released Brooks first solo CD, The Great Blues Sea". The album uses the blues as a spring board for musical explorations of American musical genres with themes of loves found and lost, personal transformation, environmental awareness, and progressive political action.
Theres nothing like Brook in the pagan music world. Im very excited about his new album." Anne Hill, of Serpentine Music.
Noted for his deep blues feeling, Brook was nicknamed by saxophonist Richie Cole, The Bluesman". Brook explores his roots through a series of 13 musically related but highly diverse selections. Accompanying Brooks vocals and guitar playing, a list of Bay Area musicians make appearances. Among them, Bruce Unsworth from Pride and Joy takes turns with section horns, tenor work, and flute. And, Ellen Hoffman, accompanist and director of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, plays piano.
The first track, Earth Rhythms speaks to the beauty of the natural world. The vocal line is set on top of a funk and African rhythm pulse. But surprisingly for a funk tune, all the guitar work is acoustic. It is in this way that original material like Double Double and The Lightning Strikes respect traditions without formulaic treatment. Double Double makes a conscious nod to Albert King in his Stax years, but dont miss the doumbec adding color to the rhythm section. Similarly, The Lightening Strikes finds Brook edging towards jazz as he explores immanant divinity. And, covers like Rollin ‘n Tumblin, Gamblers Blues, and Dust My Broom are given new treatments. Aint Nobodys Business is a piano and guitar vehicle in the style that American blues greats like Otis Spann recorded with British bands.
In the collection, there are 9 original tracks. The originals include the blues 12 Long Years, which evokes Chicago South Side with its gritty harmonica fill. There are also related genres like gospel in Wounded Healers, a simple acoustic rag romp in Summerland, and the simplicity of early rock n roll in Enough!, Brook's strong political statement. Moon Circle fills in the collection with a smooth jazz" ballad. The Great Blues Sea sums up the album with a blues-rock statement that blues music, like water, can heal. The Great Blues Sea features Brooks electric slide guitar.
Brook has worked with Bo Diddley and his BoKay Production Company, Chuck Berry, The Reverend" Steve Weist, and appeared with Bruce Langhorn, among others. Brooks folk and rock work includes Linda Hershorn, Mokai, Anne Hill, T. Thorn Coyle, Pat Wynne, The Welfare Cheats, and The Freedom Song Network. He has also accompanied many jazz performers like Bill Watrous, Bobbie Shew, and Al Shachman. He co-led the African Jazz Ensemble with Motown percussionist Renaldo Jackson. He took Mimi Foxs vacated seat in the Joyce Baker Group, accompanying jazz singer Opie Bellas for 3 years. In addition, he has worked and recorded with many local groups, including blues, rock, folk, American roots, fusion, big band, and progressive jazz, making appearances at the Berkeley Jazz Festival, in clubs, on radio, and on television.
Press and Demo Copy Contact:
Brook
Melusine Records
510-315-1104
www.magicbrook.com
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