Maurice Hope – August 23, 2016 at 02:00PM
Tags:_AMERICANA
Austin, Texas-based singer-songwriter, Steve Brooks is quite a journeyman, for not only was he born in Chicago, and raised in York, Pennsylvania he also lived for a spell in California before returning East, and on taking up journalism worked for the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Yet, it is Texas where he is more at ease and able to do what he likes best make music. Some of you will recognise him as being the co-writer of “One Good Year” (with Slaid Cleaves) and having supplied the likes of Albert & Gage, The Flyin’ As, Danny Santos and Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe among others with songs. Joining Brooks (Martin D-35, telecaster, harmonica) you have Jeffery Tveras (lead guitars, bass, percussion, keyboards, harmony vocals), Jessica Shepherd (harmony vocals), Darcie Deaville (fiddle on “Chasing Grace” and the beautiful star western swing fun warmed “Yoga Lady”. Brooks even gets in a yodelling on “Yoga lady” and has Shepherd partner him, nice to it is too) and on “Pretend To Be Your Prine” Eddie Collins adds banjo.
On picking up the tempo and easing a little from his singer-songwriter acoustic groove Brooks lends a ‘band’ feel to “Still Got A Little Wild In Me” as he speaks of some of joys of yesterday’s reckless days. And of how it remains in his blood and actions when he shows off his daring ways. Closing cut “I’ll Pretend To Be Your Prine” with Collins setting the pace Brooks delivers another trade mark warm, friendly well penned story ballad. In part Brooks reminds me of fellow singer-songwriters Pat Alger and Bill Staines; who likewise are meticulous in their writing and gentle in their delivery and in touch with the love, joy and fears of the everyday ordinary folk. Solid and honest as the day is long; Brooks is a man of many talents not least writing songs.
Maurice Hope
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