Album: Blues in My DNA – October 2024
Can’t Miss Tracks: I’m Feeling You, Blues in My DNA, I Found A Dollar Looking For A Dime
The journey of Ronnie Baker Brooks, the son of legendary bluesman Lonnie Brooks, is a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of the blues. With the release of his fifth album, Blues in My DNA, Brooks cements his place in the contemporary blues scene, paying tribute to his father while pushing his own musical boundaries. This album, his first for the iconic Alligator Records, is more than just a collection of songs – it is a statement of intent, a heartfelt tribute to the blues tradition, and a powerful reminder that the blues, much like life itself, is ever-evolving.
Born Rodney Dion Baker in 1967, Ronnie’s life has been steeped in the blues from an early age. His father, Lee Baker Jr., better known by his stage name Lonnie Brooks, was a stalwart of Chicago blues, a man who not only shaped the genre but also nurtured his son’s path in the same world of music. Ronnie’s musical journey began at just nine years old when he first picked up a guitar and performed on stage alongside his father. By his teenage years, he was on the road as a roadie, and eventually, with his father’s blessing, joined the band playing bass. Over time, Ronnie’s guitar skills blossomed, earning him a position as a second guitarist in his father’s band. His first recorded appearance came in 1988 on Lonnie’s Live From Chicago: Bayou Lightning Strikes.
Over the years, Ronnie has rubbed shoulders with some of the most revered names in the blues world, from B.B. King to Elvin Bishop, Willie Dixon to Albert Collins, each leaving a mark on his playing and his approach to songwriting. However, Ronnie has always sought to carve out his own sound, blending the Chicago blues he inherited with elements of Memphis soul, rock ‘n’ roll, and funk. His previous solo work, released under his own label Watchdog Records, earned him critical acclaim, but Blues in My DNA is his most definitive statement to date.
A Musical Legacy and A New Beginning
The album kicks off with the high-energy blues rocker “I’m Feeling You,” a track that perfectly sets the stage for what follows. From the very first note, Ronnie’s signature guitar tone – sharp, fiery, and full of emotion – is on full display. This track is a clear indication that Ronnie is not just honoring the past but shaping the future of the blues. The second track, “Lonnie Brooks’ Blessing,” features a short but poignant clip of his father’s voice giving Ronnie his blessing to carry the blues forward. It’s a moving moment that underscores the deep connection between father and son and sets the tone for the autobiographical title track, “Blues in My DNA.”
The title track is the heart of the album, a stirring anthem where Ronnie declares, “I got love in my blood, the blues in my DNA.” It’s a powerful expression of his life and the struggles he’s overcome, from racism and poverty to personal challenges. As he sings, “I ain’t complaining, I’m just explaining,” it’s clear that Ronnie is laying bare the emotional depth and personal connection he has with the music. His guitar solos punctuate these lyrics, adding another layer of intensity to the track, making it a rallying cry for blues lovers everywhere.
Following this, Ronnie delves into smoother territory with “My Love Will Make You Do Right,” a Memphis soul-inspired ballad featuring the soulful Hammond B-3 of Clayton Ivey. The track is a testament to Ronnie’s versatility, showcasing his ability to balance gritty blues with heartfelt, tender soul. In a similar vein, “Accept My Love” is a beautifully rendered, emotionally charged tribute to his late mother, Jeannine Baker, who passed away in 2023. The song’s soulful delivery and guitar solo evoke the spirit of legends like Otis Redding and B.B. King, and it’s a poignant moment on an album already steeped in personal meaning.
Blues, Rock, and Soul – A Dynamic Blend
The album continues to explore a range of blues styles, from the foot-stomping “All True Man” – a song about love and guarantees, with a rock ‘n’ roll swagger – to the soulful, funky “Instant Gratification.” The latter track’s riff-heavy groove and irresistible energy are pure Ronnie Baker Brooks, while the rocking “Robbing Peter to Pay Paul” digs deep into the gritty side of life, complete with searing guitar work and soulful delivery.
Perhaps one of the most striking moments on Blues in My DNA is the eight-minute “Stuck on Stupid.” A reworked version of a song from his 1998 debut Gold Digger, this new iteration is a full-bodied Chicago blues jam that showcases Ronnie’s evolution as both a guitarist and a storyteller. It’s a slow burn, with each riff and solo adding to the song’s emotional weight as Ronnie reflects on a painful relationship. This track alone highlights his growth over the years and his ability to inject raw emotion into every note he plays.
The album ends with two standout tracks: “I Found a Dollar Looking for a Dime” and “My Boo,” both of which demonstrate Ronnie’s unyielding commitment to the blues. The former is a classic blues tale of misfortune and yearning, while the latter is a sweet, smooth ballad that shows off Ronnie’s gentler, more introspective side. Both tracks, like the rest of the album, feature tight, responsive playing from the Memphis-based rhythm section, including Will McFarlane on rhythm guitar, Dave Smith on bass, and Steve Potts on drums.
A Masterpiece for the Modern Blues Fan
For all of Ronnie’s talent, the true beauty of Blues in My DNA lies in how it manages to stay authentic to the roots of the blues while simultaneously pushing the genre forward. The album’s blend of blues, soul, rock, and funk is seamless, showcasing Ronnie’s range as an artist and his ability to connect with his audience on a deeply emotional level. It’s clear that this album is not just a musical project but a part of a greater narrative—a continuation of a family legacy that spans generations.
As a longtime fan and regular performer on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, where his live shows are always a highlight, I can attest that Ronnie Baker Brooks never fails to deliver. With Blues in My DNA, he has delivered his most powerful statement yet, and for anyone who loves authentic, soul-stirring blues, this album is an absolute must-listen.
Ronnie Baker Brooks proves, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the blues are alive and well—and with this album, he’s ensuring that they will remain in his family for generations to come. As he so aptly puts it, “Dad started the fire, Albert Collins poured the gas on it, and Koko Taylor put the grill on.” With Blues in My DNA, Ronnie Baker Brooks is cooking up something special.
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