Chicago bluesman, Ronnie Baker Brooks, perform on the Monster Stage at Ottawa Bluesfest 2015.
As the sun began to set under the completely cloudless sky Thursday night, Chicago bluesman, Ronnie Baker Brooks and his 6-bandmember crew made their entrance onto the Monster Stage at Ottawa’s Bluesfest and gave an hour long performance, which will most certainly remain etched in the memories of all who were fortunate enough to have attended. Dressed in white from head to toe, Brooks’ charismatic presence immediately had the audience in the palm of his hand, as he summoned their attention with, “The more you put in, the more I’m gonna put out!”
The band wasted no time, as they dove into some essential blues classics, which included Muddy Waters’, “I Just Want To Make Love To You”, inviting the crowd into some call and answer on the chorus. Brooks played with all the fire and conviction reminiscent of the legendary blues greats that came before him, which of course would include his father, Lonnie Brooks. I had a chance to chat with Brooks after the show, where he shared the experience of growing up in a family steeped in blues.
I always had a feel and a love for the blues, but just not the confidence at first. My dad taught me to play when I was 6 years old. I actually got on stage and played with him on my 9th birthday. Growing up, I still felt intimidated, surrounded by my dad and all these great players who used to drop by the house all the time. I was 14 when I worked as a roadie on weekends for my dad…I saw a lot, and learned a lot.
There is usually always a moment in time that presents itself so clearly, like a switch turning on inside. Brooks revealed the moment he knew his destiny was to become a blues artist:
I remember when the bug hit me. I was 19, and the moment came at a place called the “Kingston Mines” in Chicago when I saw Albert Collins, the master of the Telecaster, play with my dad. I stood and watched from the side of the stage in awe. It did something to me. After I saw that, I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Among the Brooks family’s 9 siblings, younger brother, Wayne, also has a successful solo career as a blues guitarist. At one time, both brothers, along with their father Lonnie, would often perform together as the Brooks Family Blues Dynasty, and even appeared on the Ottawa Bluesfest stage in 2011. Ronnie himself has recorded 3 studio albums, with a 4th currently in the works and due out next year. It will also feature Rascals cover, “Come On Up”, with a special performance by Felix Cavaliere himself.
Early in tonight’s show, the band followed up with some new material from the upcoming album. One called, “A Long Story Short”, displayed Brooks’ signature blend of funk and blues, mixed with his smooth and soulful vocals. The song chugged along in its infectious beat until he burst into a furious guitar solo, accompanied by horns, bass, drums, and Hammond going full steam. Another entitled, “Times Have Changed”, began in its brooding bluesy churn, then took a left turn into a hip-hop segment, where Brooks rapped out the rest of the song’s vocals. This surprising twist of colour added a fresh dimension to the music, without disturbing its flow.
The funk drive ensued in an almost James Brown-type groove with, “She’s A Golddigger” (Golddigger – 1998), that kept the audience in their uninterrupted swagger. I loved the short spurts of bluesy guitar riffs which brought the song back to its roots every once in awhile.
Another highlight came with “Half” (The Torch – 2006), that exploded with an energetic driving blues heartbeat and featured a couple of very tasty guitar solos. Each of the 3 horn players also had their chance to shine; Norman Palm (trombone), Phil Perkins (trumpet), and Dudley Owens (tenor and baritone sax), who during his turn, received much praise from the crowd when he surprisingly played both saxes simultaneously. The rhythm section of Maurice Jones (drums), and Ari Seder (bass) laid down the band’s solid foundation, while the gravelly rich tones of the Hammond delivered by Daryl Coutts (keys), accented all the material.
The show’s finale, “Take Me Witcha” (Take Me Witcha – 2001), offered some classic Chicago blues that included some vibrant honky-tonk keyboard work by Coutts, and more audience participation of hand-clapping and singing. “I wish I had a little more time…“, Brooks repeated several times before he delivered another heart-stopping guitar solo. By the end of the performance, it was evident by the crowd’s reaction that the feeling was mutual. As for Ronnie…well, he was just getting warmed up.
For more information on Ronnie Baker Brooks, CD’s, tour dates, etc., please visit his website.
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