Danny Brooks & The Rockin' Revelators
Soulsville-Souled Out n' Sanctified
(2004)
Reviewed by Barry Nothstine
On Soulsville-Souled Out n' Sanctified, Danny Brooks and the Rockin' Revelators take the listener on a memorable blues, rhythm and blues, country, and gospel journey to the southland. The sounds of Memphis come alive on Soulsville with music that engages the heart and stirs the soul. Take a listen and you'll think that Danny Brooks was born and raised on Beale Street, the "Birthplace of the Blues." You might be surprised to find that Mr. Brooks hails from Canada! Don't let his home base fool you though; this is the real thing--authentic roots music that music aficionados of all ages will enjoy.
The centerpiece of this superb project is Danny Brooks's classic, husky, growling-and-bluesy vocals. Brooks' strong, convicting vocals (along with a gospel choir and several strong background vocalists) propel this amazing assembly of original tunes and deliver a message of hope and purpose.
The music is a diverse blend of classic Americana, soul, Rhythm and Blues, gospel, and spiritual styles. Musical high points are the smooth "Nobody Knows You Like the Lord," the earnest "Fence Me In," the classic soul sounds of "You Won't Show," and the big finale "Souled (sic) Out n' Sanctified" which features this lyrical celebration:
I dipped into that muddy water
Raised my hands to the sky
When I came up from the muddy waters
I began to sing and cry
Yes, I began to sing and cry
Spirit got a hold on me
Souled out and sanctified
Soulsville-Souled Out n' Sanctified is a rough and bluesy, silky and soulful, Sunday-go-to-meeting soul celebration of the Gospel. Fans of The Band, Joss Stone, Taj Mahal, Janis Joplin, Howlin' Wolf, The Blind Boys of Alabama, and Stax soul will find a lot to love here. Grab a copy and head out for a Sunday drive...you won't be sorry!
