Click for German version

RONNIE BAKER BROOKS & BAND (USA)
Friday, July 1st, 23:30


Ronnie Baker Brooks - guitar, vocals
Daryl Coutts - keyboards
Carlton Armstrong - bass
Maurice "Moe" Taylo - drums

Click here for the website of..
.Ronnie Baler Brooks.. .

Ronnie is the son of blues rocking, Alligator Records recording star Lonnie Brooks. He first stepped on stage when he was nine years old, playing with Lonnie at Pepper's Lounge in Chicago. Ronnie recalls, "Dad told me if I learned to play 'Messin' With the Kid' and 'Reconsider Baby,' he would allow me to perform with him on stage to celebrate my birthday." Ronnie did learn the songs, performed with his dad, captured the audience and was bitten by the blues bug. "That's one birthday I'll never forget!" says Ronnie.

Ronnie joined Lonnie's band full-time in 1986 and has grown to be an accomplished guitarist, singer and songwriter. Until he struck out as a solo artist in January 1999, Ronnie opened his Dad's live gigs with a blistering set of his own and closed each show playing a few acoustic numbers with Lonnie.

Ronnie made his recording debut in 1988 on Lonnie Brooks' Live From Chicago - Bayou Lightning Strikes. Ronnie is also featured on Satisfaction Guaranteed and the Alligator Records 20th Anniversary Tour. On that album and tour he played with Elvin Bishop, Lil' Ed Williams, Katie Webster and Koko Taylor.

Ronnie played his first solo gig in 1992 at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival filling in for Lonnie who was ill at the time. The following night he also soloed in Memphis while one of his idols, Albert King, watched approvingly from backstage. "The pressure was great," Ronnie says. "I was worried about Dad, and I knew I had big shoes to fill; but when Albert King appeared to show his support, I knew then I was on the right track." He made the jump to permanent solo status after a New Year's Eve gig (December 31, 1998) at Buddy Guys Legends in Chicago.

Ronnie has jammed on-stage with many blues giants such as Albert Collins, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Luther Allison, and Buddy Guy. He has worked alongside talented artists including Junior Wells, Eric Johnson, Jonny Lang, Slash, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Keb' Mo'.

"The importance of crossing cultural barriers is one of the most important lessons I've learned," says Ronnie. "I loved playing with my Dad, but I know I can make it on my own. I am determined to keep the family legacy, to keep the blues alive."

[ NACH OBEN ]

Zurück