Brook Batteau
Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, United States | SELF
Music
Press
I've seen Brook's band at Johnny D's, and I'll be at Tommy Doyles for sure. Incredible musicians who'll take you into a dance-induced trance. (Or something like that.) A totally great and original group.
- Review posted by: Ann C. from Somerville, MA, May 23, 2011
I've seen Brook's band at Johnny D's, and I'll be at Tommy Doyles for sure. Incredible musicians who'll take you into a dance-induced trance. (Or something like that.) A totally great and original group.
- Review posted by: Ann C. from Somerville, MA, May 23, 2011
Review posted by: Craig Johnson from Providence, RI, May 26, 2011
The ONLY trio I've seen with this much talent is "The Police". This group should be playing stadiums.
- Craig Johnson
Review posted by: Craig Johnson from Providence, RI, May 26, 2011
The ONLY trio I've seen with this much talent is "The Police". This group should be playing stadiums.
- Craig Johnson
"unleash—in every audience I’ve seen—an uncontrollable urge to dance in an energetic state of bliss."
- Boston area small press and poetry scene
"unleash—in every audience I’ve seen—an uncontrollable urge to dance in an energetic state of bliss."
- Boston area small press and poetry scene
I felt all my cares floating away while you were playing. I am fantasizing about moving to your town so I can soak in the atmosphere of your music on a regular basis.
- Josh Glenn of The Boston Globe
I felt all my cares floating away while you were playing. I am fantasizing about moving to your town so I can soak in the atmosphere of your music on a regular basis.
- Josh Glenn of The Boston Globe
“the band was tattifalarious” - James Parker of The Boston Phoenix
“the band was tattifalarious” - James Parker of The Boston Phoenix
Planet-lovin' veterans!
- The Valley Adocate
Planet-lovin' veterans!
- The Valley Adocate
Discography
Full length CD-People of the Forest
EP-Free
Photos
Bio
Brook Batteau, youngest of the Cambridge Massachusetts branch of the multi-talented and artistic Batteau family, mastered his voice singing lead for R and B and original alt-rock bands from Boston, LA, and New Orleans. His sound is luxurious and raw, full of original soul, style, and power. Audiences have likened him to Bryan Ferry, Kid Creole, David Byrne, and Prince. His songs, written and rewritten over the last 20 years, are powerful and emotive, bringing audiences to tears while sending them whirling around on the dance floor in a state close to bliss. Josh Glenn of the Boston Globe says “I felt all my cares floating away while you were playing. I am fantasizing about moving to your town so I can soak in the atmosphere of your music on a regular basis.”
His latest project – Brook Batteau:MANWICH – puts him on stage with drummer Kate Hennessey, who surrounds the him in a rich hypxotic bad girl beat blanket, Jane Karras on guitar and Lesley Smith on bass.
Batteau and Hennessey have been playing music together for almost 20 years – first in Cambridge, MA (where Batteau’s brothers Robin and David became famous on the folk circuit), then in New Orleans, LA (where Hennessey, in a rare moment of glory, was heckled by Dr John’s drummer), and now here in the hills of Western MA, where they say they’ve finally found their home. The band released their first CD, People of the Forest, after about a year of knock-your-socks-off shows at local venues and private parties. The songs range from a two-stepping call to environmental action (The Planet Told Me) to sweet rockin’ love songs (Dana, Mi Amore), to a rolling hypnotic trance in Breathe.
Their current projects include costumed dancers, henna, and hula hoops, but they’d rather not give away all their secrets until they’re on your stage.
Years of experience, a mad love and respect for the music, and a singer with a magnificent voice that people have said "sounds like David Byrne and Roy Orbison in a purple rain" make them a great choice for a live performance venue, a private party, or a nice drive in the country with their CD playing loud.
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