Danny and Debi Brooks perform in concert this Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4 at House of James (2743 Emerson St.) in Abbotsford.
Danny Brooks – “Texassippi Soul Man” – is now settled in Llano, Texas. He has mixed the best of both Texas and Mississippi and calls it “Texassippi.”
He grew up on Hank Williams, Solomon Burke, Taj Mahal, John Lee Hooker, The Allman Brothers, Blind Boys of Alabama, and Rev. Jumpin’ Jim Jericho.
Older brother Greg’s recordings of Solomon Burke, Joe Tex, Bobby “Blue” Bland and Sam Cooke added to the blend.
“Years ago I had the privilege of singing one night with Brownie McGhee and he told me, ‘Son, for a white boy, you sho’ ‘nuff got a suntan on the inside,’ ” Danny says.
Danny has eight albums, two books and a new DVD documentary about his life, Hard Working Man.
He and his wife, Lil’ Miss Debi, have been travelling North America extensively for the last seven years, performing at festivals, pubs, churches, prisons and coffeehouses.
Their music and stories are filled with hope and encouragement, especially for the dark times of life. Danny hit bottom with a serious alcohol addiction in 1987, when he entered rehab, and his life dramatically changed after that.
Their musical style includes blues guitar rhythms, harmonica, gritty and soulful vocals by Danny, and creative percussion on the cajon box drum, suitcase and tambourine by Miss Debi.
“I wanted to give two nights for this exceptional out-of-town duo so there is lots of room for everyone who wants to come,” said Lando Klassen of House of James.
Shows are at 7 p.m., with tickets $15 at the door. Visit houseofjames.com or dannybrookstexassippisoulman.com for more information.