SAM BROOKES
Whelanslive.com presents
SAM BROOKES
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“There is something of a Tim Buckley about Sam Brookes…a sense of powerful fragility…vast emotional reserves at work” – The Independent
“Kairos is a sensuous, fluid 21st Century folk dream.” The Daily Telegraph on Twitter
“Musically, he excels at propulsive, narratively rich folk, delivered in a soaring, clear-as-a-bell singing voice that makes every word of his evocative, detailed lyrics count.” Sunday Times
Although in his twenties, Sam Brookes is a seasoned veteran of the live music circuit. Not your stereotypical ‘folk bard ‘ his love of singing and performing has been evolving since his days as a chorister, singing for the Queen at her private Chapel in Windsor Great Park; add to this his training as a gilder and a keen interest in sport and Sam already stands apart from his contemporaries.
Brought up in a creative family, his love of music was encouraged from a very early age. He attributes influences such as Joni Mitchell, Bert Jansch and Davy Graham to his father as well as more recent influences: ‘Travis’ and ‘The La’s’ to his own musical journey of discovery. His upbringing in a sleepy Wiltshire Town couldn’t have been more different to the frenetic pace of life in London, where he has spent the last 4 years of his life. Both have impacted greatly on his career and contributed to his musical style. Sam has become part of the burgeoning folk scene gigging in and around London to an ever-increasing audience of enthusiasts. His vocal style has drawn attention in other genres, for example as featured vocalist on Basement Jaxx latest single ’What a Difference Your Love Make’
Sam cites his training as a gilder as a positive influence on his guitar playing as well as his approach to song writing. “I approach my music with the same ethic I held whilst gilding – working hard to create something beautiful” These influences amalgamate in Sam’s songs to create something truly unique. He sees himself, first and foremost, as a storyteller who claims John Steinbeck as one of his major influences. His songs are, fundamentally, beautifully crafted stories about familiar subject matters that captivate the listener. Musically, his immaculate phrasing and beautifully modulated delivery reach easily beneath the skin of his audience; the magical space he creates, with the elasticity of his writing, has the echoes and jazz arches of giants like John Martyn and Tim Buckley.
His self-titled release produced by Chris Hughes (Tears for Fears, Robert Plant, Paul McCartney) bought him recognition in the form of high profile support slots with Joan Armatrading, Ray Davies and Newton Faulkner; this combined with an entrepreneurial spirit and a close kinship with other musicians such as Lucy Rose, Pete Roe and Emily & The Woods has allowed his live and recorded sound to evolve in to a more powerful and provocative body of work. Thoughtful lyrics add poetry to his tracks, something that sets his work apart in an increasingly saturated area of music. Sam Brookes has become part of the burgeoning acoustic music scene, gigging around the UK to an ever-increasing audience of enthusiasts. His characteristic vocal style has also drawn attention across other genres, for example as featured vocalist on Basement Jaxx new single ’What a Difference Your Love Make’
Last year saw Sam set up his own night with some of his aforementioned contemporaries. ‘Because The Night’ is a popular monthly event; a stunningly intimate night in the heart of London which serves to reassure fellow travellers that music made with acoustic guitars, mandolins and accordions can once again be relevant.
With a musical and creative fire burning inside him, Sam self-released his new album ‘Kairos’ on 17th March 2014. These ten new tracks were funded by his fans through Pledge Music, and associated with a full touring schedule of headline shows plus UK tour support for Newton Faulkner in February and March followed by European dates. Further gigs and festival shows in July will be announced.
TICKETS
€8 available online from WAV Tickets [Lo-Call 1890 200 078] (50c per ticket service charge applies on phone, internet or creditcard bookings from WaV).
Strictly over 18′s, I.D. may be required.
AFTER THE GIG
Whelan’s Indie Club w/ Late Bar from 10:30pm or check out the bands playing The Midnight Hour in the upstairs venue (FREE ENTRY, 12am).