CRAIG BROOKS (Touch) – Desolation Freeway (2025) *HQ*
In the Summer of ’75 CRAIG BROOKS received a call from NY for an audition with the AOR / progressive band AMERICAN TEARS and in 1976 was signed to his first recording contract with Columbia Records. Craig’s subsequent first album as pro, was AMERICAN TEARS’ 3rd, ‘Powerhouse’, released in 1977. The following couple of years were spent with the band playing dates throughout the US, writing new music and generally honing their sound.
After a group realignment and a change of management, the band collectively decided to change the name to TOUCH. In 1979 Craig signed his second recording contract with Atlantic’s Atco Records. The critically acclaimed debut album, TOUCH was released with two significant singles “Don’t You Know What Love Is” and “Call Me When The Spirit Moves You”.
Brooks worked later as session musician, and it was in 2019 when TOUCH reunited, with a new album, Tomorrow Never Comes, released. It was a worthy comeback album which put the band back at the forefront of melodic rock.
After the TOUCH album was completed, he continued writing songs and recording. Craig sensed that he had some new, interesting music at hand, a unique twist to his own songwriting. At this point, he asked buddy Mark Mangold if he would be interested in collaborating on a Craig Brooks solo effort.
And the final result is a new album titled ”Desolation Freeway”, set to be released in 2025. In many ways this is a TOUCH piece of music, as not only Mark Mangold play keyboards, but also TOUCH’s bandmate Doug Howard play bass.
This is classic, guitar-driven, melodic hard rock / AOR with, indeed, some cool twists, interesting arrangements, and terrific harmony vocals / choruses.
01 – Testify
02 – Fading out of View
03 – End of the Line
04 – Desolation Freeway
05 – Modern Love
06 – Takes One to Know One
07 – Chosen One
08 – Don’t Say You Love Me
09 – Across the Great Divide
10 – Lady Lies
Craig Brooks – Guitars / Bass / Keyboards / Vocals (Touch / American Tears)
Mark Mangold – Keyboards (Touch / Keys / Michael Bolton / Cher)
Josh Devine – Drums (One Direction / Levara / Turkish Delight)
Doug Howard – Bass (Touch)
Pre order:
www.amazon.co.uk/Desolation-Freeway-Craig-Brooks/dp/B0DTJB3Q11
