Alan Brooks Walker / _ Archive
Alibi (2013)
Silver Lining
Taxi Cab
Upside Down
Mending
Canary
Apt. B (2013 Covers)
My Funny Valentine
They Can't Take That Away From Me
Past Press
Though he's a singer-songwriter, Brooks takes his inspiration from jazz. "I love jazz," he says. "I grew up on Motown and the Temptations and all that. I love the way jazz gives you the room to improvise." He cites pianist Thelonious Monk as one of his favorites. "I like him because he has a distinctive style and would play things that were choppy. That's why I like him because he was so unique. For me, that set me down the path of not wanting to imitate other people's styles and find my unique voice."
Engineered by Jake Fader (Mifune, Kokolo), his new album Alibi features low-key songs that show off his soulful voice and nimble-fingered guitar work. Songs such as "Silver Lining" and "Taxi Cab" were recorded in one take and have a real immediacy to them as a result. "Compared to the last thing I did which was with a full band, this was much different," he says of Alibi. "Having my voice up front gave me a good opportunity to be vulnerable. I love the idea that it was just one take and whatever will be will be. Whatever comes out in your voice or playing is what comes out. The record is just that; it's a record of a moment in time."
- Cleveland Scene
Fans of modern treatments of those timeless classic standards will not be disappointed. Brooks has a great sense of timing and a soothing, light voice that is not to be missed.
- The Daily Album
Brooks soulfully illustrates glimpses of everyday life. He gives purpose to these fragments of memories with tender but bright arrangements and vocals. The instrumentation on “Getting from A to B” is fresh and well orchestrated. Each track is simple, upbeat and sets a summery sort of mood that seems to coat the listener in warm, sonic sunlight.
- Buzzbin Magazine
Fans of musicians John Legend, Corinne Bailey Rae, the Roots, and Norah Jones can appreciate the soulful sounds and jazz-influence of Alan Brooks' music. Self-described "Smart pop for the soulfully inclined and vintage inspired" is dead-on.
- Akron Empire
Alan was absolutely a joy to hear. His lyrics and guitar work are gorgeous any time, but especially with people you love. His sound is just jazz/bluesy enough to be romantic even in the rain.
-Ear To The Ground Music
Brooks has plenty to show off in this stripped down setting. He knows his way around the fretboard, with some interesting rhythms and plentiful chord changes. He also has a strong voice for this type of music, soulfully expressive to go along with the jazz leanings of the guitar. Brooks soulful vibe serves slower tracks like “Taxi Cab” and “Mending” well, with light tremolo and distortion on the guitar in the latter adding great atmosphere.
- Nasty Fancy
