Album Notes

Every once in a while, someone comes along with that special combination of talents -someone who can write and perform music in a way that makes you feel like you were sitting on the front porch on a warm summer evening, listening to an old friend. Justin Brooks is that kind of performer. His thoughful lyrics, soulful guitar and warm personality combine to create a stage performance that one would more expect from a veteran road warrior than a Berklee College of Music student who is just creeping up on his twentieth birthday. It's that quality that brings teenagers, their parents - and grandparents together in the same venue to hear the same music--music that speaks to everyone.
Justin Brooks was born in Cooperstown, New York, just a pop fly from the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Besides being an accomplished musician he is also an artist, who's painting's have sold through gallery showings and to private collectors. He first picked up an acoustic guitar at the age of thirteen and was soon writing and performing his original songs in cafe's and open Mic nights throughout upstate, New York. Justin now divides his time between his upstate, New York home and Boston, where he has become a favorite of the college music scene as well as such venues as Club Passim and Borders Books.
Justin's debut CD, "Take to the Wind", was recorded at Blink Music in Cambridge, Massachusetts, under the eyes and ears of producer Tim Bruhns.
The CD, released under the independent, MT TOM label, contains ten original songs ranging from the beautiful acoustic ballad, Swimming with the shaddows, to the gutsy pop-rock anthem, Liar, to the catchy Julia - with a chorus that you just can't get out of your head. Justin Brooks is backed by a full band, featuring Scott Hamilton on electric guitar, Brian Hobart piano, Martin Valihora drums, and Oskar Rozsa bass. A special treat is Ellis Paul (Rounder Records) joining Justin in both lead and backup vocals along with the soulfull voice and unique guitar sylings of Pamela Means (Wirl Records). In addition there are a number of impressive Blink studio musicians to round out the CD.
Justin Brooks' musical influences have included, Ellis Paul, Brooks Williams, John Gorka, Cat Stevens and Jim Morrison. He has woven these influences into a melodic tapestry of folk and rock that is truly original and imaginative.
"Take to the Wind", represents Justin Brooks first steps along what is sure to be a long and productive musical journey - but make no mistake - these are not baby steps. His music stands with the best of contemporary singer songwriters working today. Yet, he can only get better. We can all look forward to joining him on this journey.