SOULSVILLE - Souled Out n Sanctified by Danny Brooks - jazzreview.com

12 Aug

SOULSVILLE - Souled Out n Sanctified by Danny Brooks

Written by Richard Bourcier
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It was about a year ago that the NorthernBlues Gospel Allstars album Saved was reviewed on these pages. That release made me aware of some fine voices in a part of the Gospel scene that I had never investigated. Some of those artists appear on this new CD by Danny Brooks.

Danny Brooks and the Rockin’ Revelators have been around for a while as a unit. Brooks himself, has been singing and playing for the better part of three decades. He’s paid his dues over the years and is strongly committed to his calling. His vocal style is influenced by blues, gospel and soul entertainers including Jimmy Witherspoon, Bobby Blue Bland, Joe Tex, Solomon Burke and the Five Blind Boys of Alabama. Brooks appears regularly on the internationally aired 100 Huntley Street television broadcasts on the Inspirational Life Network in the US.

A prolific and inspired writer, Danny Brooks penned all 13 songs on this release. His writing talent made itself apparent to me with his Righteous Highway that appeared on the Saved CD last year. Some equally impressive material shows up on this new Souled Out ‘n Sanctified issue.

The Rockin’ Revelators include fellow JUNO nominees, Hiram Joseph and the fabulous Levy Sisters, Amoy and Ciceal. The instrumentalists include veteran bluesmen Colin Linden, Michael Fonfara and Richard Bell. The album production is ably handled by keyboard genius Richard Bell. Bell has long been a favorite of mine and is known for his stellar work with The Band, King Biscuit Boy, John Sebastian, Ronnie Hawkins and Janis Joplin’s last band, Full Tilt Boogie.

Danny Brooks has generously placed a number of full MP3’s on his site for your evaluation. Drop by and hear highlights from this CD and others including a great version of Statesboro Blues recorded with guitarist Greg Martin. Souled Out ‘n Sanctified is recommended listening for fans of gospel and blues.

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Danny Brooks
CD Title: SOULSVILLE - Souled Out n Sanctified
Genre: Gospel
Year Released: 2003
Record Label: HIS House Records
Tracks: Soulsville; Nobody Knows You Like The Lord; Fence Me In; Glory Hallelujah: Other Side Of The Cloud; Lift Me Up; Soul Satisfied; Standing On The Rock; You Won’t Show; Have Mercy; Comforter Of My Soul; Walk That Walk; Souled Out ‘n Sanctified.
Musicians: Danny Brooks (lead vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica, composer). Collective Personnel: Bucky Berger (drums, percussion); Dennis Pinhorn (electric & acoustic bass); Mitch Lewis (electric guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin, electric steel); Richard Bell (piano, accordion, organ, Wurlitzer); Michael Fonfara (piano, Wurlitzer); Colin Linden (mandolin, dobro, acoustic & slide guitars); Doug Romanow (organ); Gary Craig (tambourine); Amoy Levy, Ciceal Levy, Hiram Joseph, Esther Kessler (vocals & background vocals).
Label Website: -
Rating: Four Stars