CD Review: The Torch - Ronnie Baker Brooks - Page 3

The closest the disc has to a title song is "The Torch Of The Blues" where Lonnie Brooks, Jimmie Johnson, Eddie Clearwater, and Willie Kent come into the studio and give their blessing in song to Ronnie. It's both funny and poignant given the good time they are all obviously having and the fact Willie Kent died shortly after the recording session took place. Both the song and Willie's death are indicative of the fact the music has moved on to the next generation.

Sometimes when we see the son following in the father's footsteps, we sniff around for the scent of nepotism. Does this person really deserve to be doing this, or is he just riding the coat tails of his old man? While it may be an accurate assessment in some cases, when talking about music like the blues or other traditional modes of expression, it only makes sense it's handed down from parent to child.

It's also reasonable to expect the child to put his or her own stamp on the music. This way, not only is the music kept alive for another generation, it also continues to grow and is prevented from stagnating into a museum piece. With The Torch, Ronnie Baker Brooks shows us the blues are in good hands for at least this next generation.

Article Author: Richard Marcus

Richard Marcus is the author of the forthcoming book What Will Happen In Eragon IV? and has had his work published in print and on line all over the world. The not so long-haired Canadian iconoclast writes reviews and opines on the world as he sees …

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