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Son of Alligator Records longtime star Lonnie
Brooks (real name Baker) and member of his Daddy’s band for several years, Ronnie
finally releases his debut disc on his own independent label and the results are
surprisingly good. I was afraid it might be a non-stop guitar wanker’s workout full
of self-indulgent, string-breaking Jimi Hendrix-influenced excursions, and while there is
evidence of Hendrix’s influence it’s not overbearing. Ronnie has held the guitar
gimmicks in check and given us a nicely balanced blues menu containing well-written
originals and a smokin’ band that delivers a funky blues/rock hybrid with loads of
soul. Ronnie is a fine singer and his guitar work is exceptional. If Alligator Records had
a chance to grab this one I can’t understand why they passed up on it, as it’s
much better than a lot of their recent releases. But who knows, perhaps Ronnie
deliberately chose to have an independent label release?
There are 12 tracks and, honestly folks, each
and every tune is a big winner. "Stuck On Stupid" has killer guitar and great
lyrics, a throbbing slow blues that deserves loads of airplay. Ditto for "Where Do I
Stand In Line" and "Baby Please." Ronnie Baker Brooks proves with this disc
that he is a major blues talent in his own right and he’s ready to step away from the
shadow of his father’s fame. We have here a new, exceptional blues star who is ready,
willing and able to carry the torch into the next century. He’s got the whole package
folks, and any label with the smarts and big money should be chasing this man down.
He’s still very young and it reassures this writer (pessimist at heart) that the
blues will be in good hands. The track "Make These Blues Survive" featuring
Ronnie’s Dad, Lonnie Brooks, deals with that whole issue and it’s a smoker.
("I can’t let my masters down, I got to keep these blues around.")
Producer Jellybean Johnson (himself a
scorching guitarist) has done a wonderful job of putting together a kickass debut disc
that should boot open doors for Ronnie. It spans the whole spectrum of the blues keeping a
firm foundation in tradition ("Bald Headed Woman" with its Elmore James-fueled
slide guitar) yet being totally modern and trend setting. The great supporting cast needs
to be mentioned: Ernest Williamson, Jr. (keyboards), David Smith (bass), Steve Potts
(drums), Jim Spake (tenor and baritone sax), Joe Mucherin (trumpet), Jackie Johnson and
Jacquelyn M. Reddick ( background vocals). All the songs were written by Ronnie, proof
that he is ready for the big time in every way. 5 bottles for a wonderful debut of modern
blues at its best. Ronnie Baker Brooks is no longer just Lonnie Brooks’ son.
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