Biography

SARAH BROOKS is a powerful, passionate singer who attracts and captivates listeners of all persuasions. Sarah's soulful vocal style is always complimented by the extraordinary talent of the musicians she brings to the stage with her. Her recent collaborative effort with the incomparable jazz guitarist Joe Beck is no exception.

When Neal Weiss (who had the good sense to sign Sarah Brooks to his label) asked me to write some liner notes I said, "No, I'm not qualified to write liner notes in any genre of music outside of mainstream pop." Then it occurred to me that it doesn't matter what I know or don't know about a genre, it's about how music makes you feel, and suddenly I felt very qualified.

The first time I heard Sarah Brooks sing was on a song demo presented to me in 1987 when I was starting in the music publishing business. I was so impressed with her voice I had to know, "Who's the singer?" after I heard the first line. I can remember that moment to this day. In my opinion, a song is only as good as the singer. By "singer" I don't just mean vocalist (at which Sarah is an Olympian). A singer delivers the material with passion and can make you feel each word. Sarah's soulful delivery radiates passion at every turn.

When Sarah called to tell me Whaling City Sound wanted to do a recording project with her and asked if would I like to get on board, it was an obvious yes. It gave me new faith in this business of music, that in fact quality can prevail and cream does rise to the top, it just takes a long time. I thought, "It doesn't get any better than this." But it did, enter Joe Beck. Joe is a master guitarist with an exceptionally educated ear who has played with the likes of Miles, Sinatra, Peggy Lee and Paul Simon. He's a musical snob with discriminating taste and he's earned that. Like me, Joe heard Sarah sing and offered to accompany her and produce the record without hesitation.

I thought I'd get to put my two cents in when it came time to choose the material. Nope. Joe and Sarah knew exactly what songs they wanted and they were so right in their choices that I backed off on my suggestions, sat back and learned what great material really means (they should both moonlight as A&R chiefs). I am proud to say that they recorded one song from my catalogue, What Is My Heart For which debuts on this record as the title track.

Joe and Sarah decided to record the CD live. They brought in percussionist Woody Williams from Atlanta and engineer Alec Head and we booked a week at Presence Studios in Westport, CT. I was in awe watching Sarah and Joe improvise in the studio. Alec hit the record button and the result is Love Is the Way I Live, never sung or played before, invented on the spot, brilliant! Sarah was struck with Resurrection Day and chose to do it on the first listening. It was written by Paul Thorne, (a one-time professional boxer who Roberto Duran knocked right into the music business) and arranged by Joe. It's a masterpiece that should become a classic if there's a God. Neil requested a Beatles song on the CD and Blackbird was the Beck/Brooks choice. Their interpretation is extraordinary, including the ad libbed section.

The tasteful choices and arrangements made by Sarah, Joe and Woody should be curriculum for aspiring musical geniuses. Speaking of interpretation, House of the Rising Sun and Whiter Shade of Pale are off the charts. They are chilling, intense and masterful but, then again, so is everything on this record. I'd like to say I'm Sarah's biggest fan but everyone who hears her sing claims that title, so I guess I'll just share it.