Week 22
Lonnie Brooks, Bayou Lightning
(Alligator 4714)

Born Lee Baker, Jr., Lonnie Brooks spent much of his Louisiana childhood surrounded by music, but he didn't start playing guitar seriously until in his early 20s. Spotted by Clifton Chenier, one of the founding fathers of zydeco, Brooks spent the mid-1950s touring as his sideman. Along the way, Brooks recorded a few regional rock ‘n’ roll hits under the name "Guitar Junior."

Embracing the opportunity to tour nationally, Brooks joined Sam Cooke's band in the late 50s. By 1960 he had permanently relocated to Chicago. Because another Guitar Junior had been on the scene for years, however, he was compelled to change his name yet again, now to Lonnie Brooks. A frequent sideman for local labels (that's Brooks on Jimmy Reed's "Big Boss Man"), he recorded sporadically on his own, as well, but with limited success.

As a live performer, however, Brooks fast became a solid and spectacular attraction throughout Chicago. Combining his Louisiana roots with his Chicago experience, Brooks spiced the result with prominent elements of R&B, funk, and soul, for a decidedly modern style of electric blues. As indicated in the liner notes, he "offered something the better-established names couldn't: he could play anything from rock to country to soul, and make it all feel like funky, downhome blues."

His band eventually dubbed Brooks' style "Voodoo Blues," and this recording, originally released in 1979, showcases it wonderfully. From funky workouts to swampy laments, Brooks stays deep in the blues as his band percolates behind him, bringing an irresistible groove to every song. Having launched Brooks to broad acclaim and the worldwide touring schedule he continues to pursue, Bayou Lightning has also aged quite well, and the recording remains a great work from one of today's essential electric bluesmen.

Listen: Lonnie Brooks - "Breakfast in Bed"
Windows Media »

Buy this album »

« Back