With a cover picture capturing Brooke Law in mid head swing, her hair flying in all directions, it is time for he rnew single "Gypsy Woman".. It's UK live debut came at The Slaughtered Lamb where Brooke was supporting Sinead Burgess, reasonably fresh after it was created on a Songwriters retreat in Texas. That night it was played solo, this version shows Brooke with her most overtly Americana sounding single yet - it also rocks, expect to play it loud and annoy the neighbours!
The "Gypsy Woman" is a dark mysterious often alluring figure that crops in Americana music all the time, from Cher and Don Williams through to the likes Fleetwood Mac and Graham Parker - it is also "a nomadic or free-spirited person" and it is this latter definition that #TEAMw21 think Brooke is tapping into.
Brooke's creation opens to a dark brooding drum beat and a strum of a guitar, creating an immediate atmosphere
"Thirteen day since I swept away - all the rage taking hold of me
Heard your voice like I had no choice - now a silent noise that has set me free"
That specific timing, of 13 days, like someone who has given up drinking or smoking is deeply embedded into their whole psyche - the most obvious parallel being Prince's "Nothing Compares To U". This is Brooke finding an inner strength, the last line above is sung with almost a sense of disdain.
The chorus is an intriguing mix of Brooke initially taking the punches like a boxer on the opening of each line before coming back fighting each time at the end, taking ownership and moving on
"Ah ooh - Gypsy Woman I paid my dues, I've been around and and I hit bottom - thank God that I've forgotten
Ah ooh - Gypsy Woman my hearts been shattered like it never even mattered, and now I've got it back"
It all shifts to another gear on the final line, as Brooke unleashes a power vocal, the band raise their volume to try to keep up but it is Brooke leading from the front who is in charge.
I'm in love and my wheels are in turning deep inside me burning"
The next verse finds Brooke reflective, if anything now fully realising that she should have left earlier.
"So naive that I couldn’t leave
Thought you believed, but you never dreamed
For me, for you, for us ( these words undercut by a neat almost Nirvana like guitar line)
Am I good enough?"
The final verse sees Brooke reinvigorated, ready to take on all comers. Musically there is almost dreaminess to this verse not apparent elsewhere in the song as if seeing the light, recognising what needs to be done.
"Open eyed with the flame of desire
On the road to my fate I’m inspired
looking up to the sky getting higher
I am older braver and wiser"
Just time for one punchy run through of the chorus.
The announcement of the new single coincided with a showcase set at The Backroom Bar off Park Lane, where Brooke sporting a Janis Joplin t shirt would both dazzle and delight, running through a selection of former glories a well as well chosen covers and more teasers of what she has up her sleeve to come.
With unreleased older songs like "Bad Tattoo" and "Excuse Me" mixing with newer songs like "Hungry" and "Angels Calling" it all bodes well for Brooke.
With a prestigious headline show with her band at the Green Note to come later in the summer on 27th June - their has never been a better time to join Brooke's ever growing band of "Outlaws"
Ticket link