Danny Brooks is no stranger to adversity, but through music and a very supportive wife he has found a way to give back.
He and his wife Lil’ Miss Debi incorporate prisons, rehabs and halfway houses on their tours.
“My background is overcoming my addictions and doing a little bit of jail time, so we like to give back to the community,” Brooks said.
He has been touring with his wife, Debi Middlebrook. Brooks plays percussion, for six years after meeting at a musical reenactment of Woodstock.
“She was one of the background singers, but she knew I needed help so she got me into rehab. She just had a straight job all the way,” Brooks said.
Five years ago Brooks had a quintuple heart bypass surgery, and with the help his wife he was able to get back on his feet and on the road.
“She got pressed into duty and we kind of reinvented ourselves. I’m in the best shape of my life now, I don’t even need to take any heart medicine. So it was a miracle,” Brooks said.
The two make their home in Texas, and the southern soul vibe has been described as Dan Penn meets the Black Keys.
“We do some hill country stuff that kind of sounds like the roots-y, north Mississippi sound,” Brooks said. “With that we also mix a lot of melodic soul and R&B ballads that are rock-ed up.”
It is a unique yet familiar roots/soul sound they create at their live shows. Harmonicas, stomp boards and much more appear on stage, something they tried to capture with their arguably depressingly titled album The World Is Not Your Friend.
“We make quite a racket for two people,” Brooks said.
Harmonicas, stomp boards and much more can appear on stage during a Danny Brooks show.
“Texassippi Soul Man” Danny Brooks and Lil’ Miss Debi visit the Dream Café March 25.
Tickets are $20 available by calling 250-490-9012.
