Ronnie Baker Brooks is a powerhouse Chicago blues guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter who carries the torch of a legendary musical lineage. Born into blues royalty as the son of Hall of Famer Lonnie Brooks, Ronnie didn’t just inherit the music—he lived it. He cut his teeth learning directly from master icons like B.B. King, Albert Collins, and Willie Dixon. Today, the multiple Blues Music Award winner seamlessly blends authentic Chicago roots with a high-octane mix of rock, funk, and soul. “I’m blessed to have learned from the best,” Brooks says. “I’m carrying them within me.” 🎵 LISTEN & SUPPORT THE ALBUM ▶ Listen to Album Samples (Click to Expand) Add this Record to Your Collection Available on CD and in Digital Formats. 🛒 Buy Album on Amazon Store As an Amazon Associate, Bman earns from qualifying purchases. As an Amazon Associate, Bman earns from qualifying purchases. < The Deep Dive The continuation of Chi...
The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra (APSO) has been keeping the classic '60s and '70s soul-blues vibe alive ever since guitarist Anthony Paule started the band in San Francisco back in 2007. Known for their killer horn section and a history of powerhouse vocalists, the band just welcomed their newest front man, the amazing Willy Jordan. Willy is a massive talent who already has two Grammy nominations under his belt from his time with Elvin Bishop’s Big Fun Trio, and he has even shared the stage with legends like John Lee Hooker.
Taking over the mic from former APSO greats like Wee Willie Walker, Frank Bey, and Terrie Odabi, Willy brings a totally real, down-to-earth energy to the stage. When you see them live, his commanding voice and honest vibe make for an unforgettable, heartfelt show.
What Can We Do?, kicks off with an absolute powerhouse in Still Smellin' Smoke, a fiery, high steppin' opener about burning down past bridges where Willy Jordan’s grit-infused vocals immediately set a commanding, high-energy mood right out of the gate. Charles McNeal rips a cool sax solo, followed by Anthony Paul on guitar and with Tony Lufrano on B3, Timm Walker on bass, Bowen Brown on drums, Derek James on trombone, Ethan Pires on trumpet, Johnnie Bamony on bari sax, and Larry Batiste, Omega Rae and Nona Brown on backing vocals make for a solid opener. Stranger has a cool strut and Jordans settle nicely into the mix. With a smooth, warm groove created by Bamont and McNeal, a cooking groove by Brown and bright guitar soloing by Paule, this is a real nice track. Boogie groove, Bigger Guitar really showcases Paule on guitar with terrific riffs and phrases held tight by Walker and Brown and featuring a strong piano solo by Lufrano. I really love the trombone solo by Derek James followed by Ethan Pires on trumped. Excellent jam! . That deep groove continues with the standout single Secret, which delivers an infectious, Latin, driving rhythm tailor-made for a late-night drive, punctuated by Anthony Paule’s incredibly stealthy guitar work that executes sharp, soulful fills beneath the main melody. Endre Tarczy on B3 really does a nice job of bringing out the tension, with tight rhythms by Kevin Hayes on drums and James, Pires, McNeal and Rob Sudduth (bari sax) on horns.
Romping, If It Ain't One Thing It's Two is a terrific track with Jordan really digging on on vocal. Paule's guitar punctuation and excellent lead guitar and the saturated horn backing by James, Pires, McNeal and Bamont make this one of my favorites on the release. The band then delivers a brilliant soul-blues reimagining of the classic Russ Morgan tune, You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You, completely stripping away the old big-band swing to inject a familiar melody with pure, unadulterated Memphis soul. Bamont blows a soulful sax solo that really oozes blues. Finally, the album closes elegantly with Blue Mood Indica, a slinky, fully instrumented song paying homage to Duke Ellington's Mood Indigo that lets the entire band stretch its legs. McNeal rolls out a soulful solo caressed by James and Pires on brass while giving Paule a wide-open lane for an excellent, blues dripping jazzy solo with excellent phrasing and articulation carried by the warmth of Lufrano on B3 making this an excellent closer for a really strong release.
Watch What Can We Do? by Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra
The album What Can We Do? is a strong soul-blues release driven by Willy Jordan’s grit-infused vocals, Anthony Paule’s exceptional guitar work, and a powerful horn section. The project highlights the band's dynamic range as they move seamlessly from fiery openers and tight boogie jams to driving Latin rhythms, a Memphis-soul reimagining of a classic standard, and a slinky, fully instrumented closer that allows the entire lineup to deliver soulful, blues-dripping solos.
Bman's Verdict
What Can We Do? is a powerhouse soul-blues album blending gritty vocals, exceptional guitar work, and a dynamic horn section across high-energy jams and soulful classics.
Comments
Post a Comment