Tom Brooks (music producer): Difference between revisions

| instrument = Piano, [[hammondHammond bB-3]], synthesizers

In 2013, Brooks performed with the Medellín Philharmonic Orchestra and [[Alan Parsons]] at Parque Pies Descalzos in Medellín, Colombia. The live concert DVD was released in 2016 titled, ''The Alan Parsons Symphonic Project''.<ref name="amazon.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Live-Colombia-Parsons-Symphonic-Project/dp/B01D5KI7ME|title=Live in Colombia|date=February 10, 2017|access-date=August 27, 2017|website=Amazon.com}}</ref>

While studying piano at the [[University of Missouri]] in St. Louis, Brooks served as Student Conductor of the [[St. Louis Symphony]] and Assistant Conductor of the [[Bach Society]], blending these classical influences with his rock roots.<ref>[https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-brooks-116a995] {{dead link|date=January 2022}}</ref> He involved symphony players in live rock events and pop studio recording sessions. He directed two broadway shows, performed at local rock venues, produced a series of children's albums titled "Super Gang!",<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/release/9887991-Super-Gang-Super-Gang|title=Super Gang – Super Gang! (1980, Vinyl)|access-date=January 6, 2022|website=Discogs.com|year=1980 }}</ref> and continued to write and produce music for advertising and corporate clients [[Anheuser-Busch]], [[McDonald's]], among others.{{citation needed|date=October 2017}}

He also began to record and produce live music in area churches New Covenant Fellowship and Grace World Outreach Center where he worked with artists Kent Henry, Ron Tucker, [[Don Moen]], Charlie & Jill LeBlanc, Jeff Hamlin, Carl & Leann Albrecht, and others who would later become key figures in his work. In 1983, Brooks produced two Praise & Worship albums, ''Behold His Majesty''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Hosanna_Music/Behold_His_Majesty_Ron_Tucker/146838/|title=Behold His Majesty, Ron Tucker – Hosanna Music – Cross Rhythms|website=Crossrhythms.co.uk|access-date=August 27, 2017}}</ref> and ''Glory to the Lamb'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci4nldKOQZs|title=Glory to the Lamb (HD)|date=March 18, 2013|access-date=August 27, 2017|publisher=YouTube}}</ref> the first recordings of their kind to capture live symphony orchestra and rock rhythm section with live Worship.

In 1984 these two albums came to the attention of New Wine Magazine, who offered to help market the recordings in their bi-monthly issues.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://csmpublishing.org/publications/new-wine-magazine/|title=Charismatic Movement – CS Ministries Publications|website=csmpublishing.org|access-date=August 27, 2017}}</ref> As the magazine was preparing to shut down in 1985, the owners made a unique proposal to Brooks – they suggested that if he would continue to produce live Praise & Worship albums on a bi-monthly basis, they would offer their subscribers a new music album every eight weeks instead of a magazine. He agreed and the "Hosanna Music" series was born. Brooks went on to produce over 100 successful albums for Integrity's Hosanna Music, mostly recorded live in churches throughout the US and around the world. Notable among these are ''Lift Him Up'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Lift-Him-Up-Ron-Kenoly/dp/B000002C45|title=Lift Him Up|date=November 11, 1997|access-date=August 27, 2017|website=Amazon.com}}</ref> ''God Is Able'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Ron-Kenoly-God-Is-Able/release/3355132|title=Ron Kenoly – God Is Able|website=Discogs|year=1994 |access-date=August 27, 2017}}</ref> and ''Sing Out''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPuQKQK5q9s|title=Ron Kenoly – Sing Out|last=Maubrit|date=July 27, 2013|access-date=August 27, 2017|publisher=YouTube}}</ref> featuring [[Ron Kenoly]] and ''Give Thanks''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Give-Thanks-Moen-Don/dp/B000008GNW|title=Give Thanks|access-date=August 27, 2017|website=Amazon.com}}</ref> featuring [[Don Moen]]. While producing for Integrity, Brooks also created a series of instrumental albums, choral works, orchestral arrangements, and concert videos.

Ron Kenoly's first album, ''[[Jesus Is Alive]]'' was produced by Brooks in 1991,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Ron-Kenoly-Jesus-Is-Alive-/release/5208732|title=Ron Kenoly – Jesus is Alive (1991, CD)|website=[[Discogs]]|year=1991 }}</ref> along with ''Highest Place'' featuring Bob Fitts and 6 other live recordings.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/highest-place-mw0000106964|title = Highest Place – Bob Fitts &#124; Songs, Reviews, Credits &#124; AllMusic|website = [[AllMusic]]}}</ref> That same year, Brooks was also producing sessions for [[Maranatha Music]] in Southern California and moved his studio operation to Orange County in August 1991. The following day, he flew to Australia to record ''All Nations Worship'' with Mark Conner, in Melbourne.

1992 saw several milestones; Brooks arranged and produced ''Lift Him Up'' featuring Ron Kenoly at Chrysler Hall in Virginia.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Lift-Him-Up-Ron-Kenoly/dp/B000002C45|title=Lift Him Up|date=January 6, 1997|access-date=January 6, 2022|website=Amazon.com}}</ref> For the live recording Brooks brought together several world renowned Christian musicians including [[Abraham Laboriel]], [[Chester Thompson]], [[Alex Acuna]], and [[Justo Almario]]. This was also the first live Hosanna concert video. Both the CD and DVD have been certified Gold by the RIAA. Brooks also produced ''Worship with Don Moen'' and ''He Is Faithful'', the first album featuring prolific songwriter [[Paul Baloche]].

As tensions were riding high against the [[Apartheid]] system in 1993, Brooks brought a team of 20 musicians and singers to South Africa for a goodwill tour and two ground-breaking live album recordings, ''Rejoice Africa'' featuring Lionel Petersen<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TVYF-pI0zs] {{dead link|date=January 2022}}</ref> and ''We Are One'' with Tom Inglis.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.musixmatch.com/album/Tom-Inglis/We-Are-One|title=We Are One by Tom Inglis album lyrics|website=Musixmatch.com|access-date=January 6, 2022}}</ref> Both concert DVDs made powerful statements of unity with many differing cultural groups singing songs of peace side-by-side on stage together.

Brooks arranged and produced another Gold album and DVD for Ron Kenoly in 1994 titled, ''[[God Is Able (Ron Kenoly album)|God Is Able]]'' in Atlanta<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/God-Able-Ron-Kenoly/dp/B000008GO1|title=God Is Able|access-date=January 6, 2022|website=Amazon.com}}</ref> (which featured a song with three drummers) along with ''Revive Us Again'' featuring Alvin Slaughter and 6 more successful projects. He also began a musicians' training institute at [[Yonsei University]] in Seoul, South Korea.

A highlight of 1995 was the recording of ''[[Sing Out with One Voice|Sing Out]]'', his fourth album with Ron Kenoly. The album and DVD featured the ‘African Children's Choir’, a percussion parade, a song in three languages, another song with three drummers and virtuoso Paul Jackson Jr. on guitar. Both the CD and DVD have been certified Gold by the [[RIAA]]. Brooks also arranged and produced Integrity's Christmas album, ''Bethlehem's Treasure'' that same year featuring [[Kelly Willard]], Bob Fitts, and [[Lenny LeBlanc]].<ref>{{cite AV media| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwFbdTy56Vw| title = YouTube | website=YouTube}}{{dead link|date=September 2023}}</ref>

In 1996, Brooks produced his fifth CD with Ron Kenoly, ''[[Welcome Home (Ron Kenoly album)|Welcome Home]]'', which went on to receive a GMA [[Dove Award]] in 1997. He also produced ''Praise with Don Moen'' and 6 other album projects as well as touring again in Korea and South America.

Brooks arranged and produced two live CDs and two concert DVDs in one night in 1998; ''[[Majesty (Ron Kenoly album)|Majesty]]'' featuring Ron Kenoly and ''[[God Is Good – Worship with Don Moen|God Is Good]]'' with Don Moen. The double concert was recorded at [[Liberty University]] in Lynchburg Virginia. He also recorded ''[[Gold (Crystal Lewis album)|Gold]]'' for Lewis.

Brooks brought a team of musicians to Rome, Italy in 1999 to record ''[[We Offer Praises]]'' with Ron Kenoly<ref>{{cite AV media| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ieip9ZKfAwk| title = YouTube | website=YouTube}}{{dead link|date=September 2023}}</ref> featuring legendary drummer [[Vinnie Colaiuta]] and the ‘Coro de Gloria’. That year also marked three more projects with Don Moen, ''More of You Lord'', ''En Tu Presencia'' in Spanish featuring Brazilian artist Aline Barros, and the re-release of ''Give Thanks'', making it one of the largest selling Integrity albums in their history. The ''[[WOW Worship]]'' series was also launched that same year eventually winning a Double Platinum award for Brooks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/|title=Gold & Platinum|website=RIAA|access-date=January 6, 2022}}</ref>

On a tour of Asia in 2000, Brooks produced two albums featuring Don Moen, ''[[The Mercy Seat (album)|The Mercy Seat]]'' recorded live in Singapore<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/release/9557814-Don-Moen-Mercy-Seat|title=Don Moen – Mercy Seat (2000, CD)|access-date=January 6, 2022|website=Discogs.com}}</ref> and ''Heal Our Land'' recorded live in Seoul with special guest [[Paul Wilbur]].<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211209/iJ5qBoHkft4 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20140305132157/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ5qBoHkft4&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ5qBoHkft4| title = Heal Our Land – Don Moen and Paul Wilbur | website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He also produced ''Mas De Ti'' in Spanish plus six other artist albums. The ''Songs 4 Worship'' series was launched that same year awarding Brooks with a Double Platinum Album in January 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=songs+4+worship#search_section|title=Gold & Platinum |publisher=[[RIAA]]|access-date=August 27, 2017}}</ref>

Less than one month after the September 11 attacks in 2001, he took 25 gifted musicians and singers to South Korea for a live recording and tour featuring Ron Kenoly, Kent Henry, [[Morris Chapman]], Aline Barros, Rick Muchow, [[Sheila E]]., [[Jeff Deyo]], and more. The live recording in Seoul brought a crowd of 69,000 to Yeouido Plaza and the tour ended with a historic concert at the [[DMZ]], the border with Communist North Korea.

In 2002, he arranged and produced the "American Worship Gathering",<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://store.cdbaby.com/|title=CD Baby Music Store|website=Store.cdbaby.com|access-date=January 6, 2022}}</ref> a live Concert event at the [[Washington Monument]] featuring Tommy Walker, Jeff Deyo, Don Moen, Bob Fitts, [[Lenny LeBlanc]], Rick Muchow, Sheila E., along with Pastors [[Louie Giglio]] and [[Rick Warren]]. He was also featured on the album ''Songs for a [[Purpose Driven Life]]'', based on Rick Warren's best selling book.

He brought a Teamteam to Madrid Spain in 2004 to produce ''Alabanza y Adoracion'' featuring [[Marcos Vidal]] along with [[Luis Conte]], [[Chester Thompson]], [[Abe Laboriel]], and Paul Jackson Jr. He also produced ''Live at Shadow Mountain'', a concert DVD featuring [[Charles Billingsley (musician)|Charles Billingsley]] and ''Face to Face'' introducing new artist Cindy Diane.

In 2005 Brooks performed at Angel Stadium with Saddleback Church during their 25th anniversary celebration.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/saddleback-celebrates-25th-anniversary-plans-global-expansion.html|title=Saddleback Celebrates 25th Anniversary, Plans Global Expansion|first=Pauline J.|last=Chang|newspaper=[[The Christian Post]]|access-date=January 6, 2022}}</ref> In that same year the ''Lift Him Up Collection'' was released featuring Brooks's productions and many of Ron Kenoly's best-loved songs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/release/5208740-Ron-Kenoly-Lift-Him-Up-Collection-|title=Ron Kenoly – Lift Him Up Collection (2005, CD)|access-date=January 6, 2022|website=Discogs.com}}</ref> Brooks also wrote and began to teach from his "Language of Music" program, a contemporary approach to music theory. He performed and conducted Seminars in Italy, Spain, Germany, and Latvia.

Brooks arranged and produced Brazilian artist [[Baby do Brasil]] in 2006 for her debut Christian album ''I Am Free''. He wrote and produced theme music for the television program "Turning Point" and also recorded a training DVD titled ''Keyboard Master Class'' at the Christian Musicians Summit in New York; teaching the Seminar in Korea, China, Japan, and Singapore.

In 2007, he arranged and produced ''Great is The Faithfulness'' in French with Swiss worship artist Gilbert Chellembron along with 5 other albums. He also released ''The Language of Music'' training DVD and performed concerts/clinics with Abe Laboriel, Paul Jackson Jr, Vinnie Colaiuta, [[Kirk Whalum]] in Italy and Spain.

Brooks toured South Korea in 2008 with [[Sheila E]] and Hillsong artist Miriam Webster. Brooks produced ''Del Corazon'' introducing Lucia Parker featuring duets with [[Darlene Zschech]] and Ron Kenoly. The album was nominated for a GMA [[Dove Award]] and a [[Latin Grammy Award]] in 2009.

In 2009, Brooks arranged and produced ''Hymns of Peace'', an instrumental collection featuring Paul Jackson Jr., Abe Laboriel, [[Tony Guerrero]], and Greg Vail. Brooks performed at the Greek Theatre in the Michael Jackson Tribute Concert along with [[Steve Lukather]] from Toto and [[Earth, Wind, & Fire]]. He also produced ''Everlasting Love'' with Lucia Parker and ''[[Christmas with Ron Kenoly]]''.<ref name="auto"/>

He produced a concert DVD in 2009–2010 at 'The Experience' festival in Lagos Nigeria with 750,000 in attendance. The celebration featured Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, [[Israel Houghton]], [[Fred Hammond]], Phil Driscoll, Don Moen, Ron Kenoly, and artists from all over Africa. He also arranged and produced two Christmas albums including ''My Treasure'' with Bob Fitts and ''Christmas – a Love Story'' featuring Lucia Parker.

''The [[The Language of Music (theory book)|Language of Music]]'', Brooks' contemporary theory book was first published by Hal Leonard Publishing in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.halleonard.com/product/viewproduct.action?itemid=333251& |title=The Language of Music, Worship Musician Presents – Hal Leonard Online |access-date=August 27, 2017 |archive-date=August 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827093225/https://www.halleonard.com/product/viewproduct.action?itemid=333251& }}</ref> Integrity also released ''With a Thankful Heart'', a Don Moen collection featuring Brooks's arranging and production work. He also toured in Africa, France, and South Korea performing and teaching.

In 2012, he traveled to Brazil to arrange and perform with Aline Barros for her ''20 Anos'' celebration CD and DVD featuring [[Michael W. Smith]].<ref name="pt.wikipedia.org"/> He performed in concert along with Phil Keaggy and Lincoln Brewster in Seattle and presented his "Language of Music" seminar at the CMS conference,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.frontgatemedia.com/christian-musician-summit-nw-2012-features-top-christian-music-industry-musicians-in-workshops-and-concerts-november-9-10/ |title=Christian Musician Summit NW 2012 Features Top Christian Music Industry Musicians in Workshops and Concerts November 9–10 – FrontGate Media |date=November 2, 2012 |access-date=September 2, 2017 |archive-date=September 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902225438/https://www.frontgatemedia.com/christian-musician-summit-nw-2012-features-top-christian-music-industry-musicians-in-workshops-and-concerts-november-9-10/ }}</ref> He also produced ''Your Presence Is Heaven'', a live recording in Seoul Korea and recorded ''God My Rock'' for [[Brenton Brown]]. To celebrate their 25th Anniversary, Integrity Music released ''25 Songs that Changed the Way We Worship'' featuring many of his productions.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://integritymusicdirect.com/products/25-songs-that-changed-worship |title=25 Songs That Changed the Way We Worship – Integrity Music Store |access-date=August 28, 2017 |archive-date=August 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828102731/https://integritymusicdirect.com/products/25-songs-that-changed-worship }}</ref>

On August 31, 2013, Brooks performed with the Medellín Philharmonic Orchestra and Alan Parsons at Parque Pies Descalzos in Medellín, Colombia. The live concert DVD was released in 2016 titled, ''The Alan Parsons Symphonic Project''.<ref name="amazon.com"/> Brooks also performed in concert at [[CERN]] with the [[Orchestre de la Suisse Romande]] and the Alan Parsons Project.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAD3yavRwiM|title=Alan Parsons concert at CERN, Sept 2013, Clip3|last=John Parsons|date=October 20, 2013|access-date=August 27, 2017|publisher=YouTube}}</ref> The event celebrated the recent discovery of the Higgs-Boson particle by the physicists at CERN using the [[Large Hadron Collider]] (LHC) located on the French-Swiss border and operated by the [[European Organization for Nuclear Research]].

Later in 2013 Brooks presented his "Keyboard Master Class" at the Christian Musicians Summit conference in Seattle WA also performing with the Blues Counsel and guitarist Dave Cleveland.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://issuu.com/cmsproductions/docs/cmsnw13-program-issuu|title=Christian Musician Summit Northwest 2013 – Event Program by Worship Musician & Christian Musician Magazine – Issuu|website=Issuu.com|date=October 31, 2013 |access-date=January 6, 2022}}</ref> That same year the ''Ultimate Collection'' of Don Moen's music was released featuring Brooks's production work. He also arranged and produced his fifth album with Lucia Parker and a new project for Bill & Renee Morris. Brooks performed with The Alan Parsons Project in Italy, France, Spain, Germany, and South America.

In 2014 Brooks began production with Tiago Costa on ''Vivo Estas'' featuring Aline Barros singing in both Spanish and English.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211209/ppYDnaDEWUw Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20160924174930/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppYDnaDEWUw&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppYDnaDEWUw| title = Aline Barros – Vivo Estás (Alive) [Sony Music Live] | website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Brooks performed in Anaheim, California, with [[Paul Baloche]] and [[Hillsong Worship|Hillsong]] artist Mia Fields. Brooks also worked on projects with Brandon Muchow, Saddleback Worship, [[Tim Davis (musician)|Tim Davis]], Ron Walters, Celebrity Cruise Lines, [[Lincoln Brewster]], [[Vinnie Colaiuta]], Aline Barros, Jane Lynch from Hollywood Game Night, David Pack of Ambrosia, In Response Music, Bill & Renee Morris, and long-tike collaborator Walt Harrah. He performed concerts with the Alan Parsons Project throughout the US and conducted the Clearwater Symphony Orchestra. That same year [[Marcos Witt]] recorded his album ''Sigues Siendo Dios'' at Brooks’ Master Recording Studios in Southern California.

On March 21, 2015, Brooks performed at [[Angel Stadium]] in Anaheim CA as [[Saddleback Church]] celebrated their 35th anniversary.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ocregister.com/2015/03/23/saddleback-church-takes-over-angel-stadium-for-35th-anniversary-celebration/|title=Saddleback Church takes over Angel Stadium for 35th anniversary celebration|website=Ocregister.com|date=March 23, 2015|access-date=January 6, 2022}}</ref> Brooks also started a new project with Marcos Vidal, plus work with [[Paul Jackson Jr.|Paul Jackson Jr]]., Phil Sillas, Disney, Tom Kubis, Art Dragon, American Idol finalist [[Danny Gokey]], [[Paul Baloche]], Busch Gardens, Ron Alayra, Tim Gill, and 6-time Grammy winner Aline Barros. He performed at the annual [[Convoy of Hope]] fundraiser with [[David Pack]] of Ambrosia, [[Richard Page (musician)|Richard Page]] of Mr. Mister, [[John Elefante]] of Kansas, [[Jim Peterik]] of Survivor, [[Kelly Keagy]] of Night Ranger and [[Bobby Kimball]] of Toto. Brooks also conducted the [[Buffalo Symphony Orchestra]] with Alan Parsons and performed concerts throughout Europe and South America.

In November 2016 Brooks received the [[Latin Grammy Award]] for "Christian Album of the Year" for ''Marcos Vidal – 25 Años''. His studio production work included collaborations with Ray Sidney, The All American Boys Chorus, The Tommy Coomes Praise Band, David Pack, Jane Lynch, Lawrence Guna, Marco Palos Big Band, Tim Gill, Casey Marshall, Donald Lopez, and Bosendorfer Artist Daniela Salinas. Live concert performances with Alan Parsons included cities across the US plus shows in Buenos Aires Argentina, Santiago Chile, Lima Peru, Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona, where the group sang Parsons’ "[[La Sagrada Familia]]" at [[Antonio Gaudi]]’s striking cathedral of the same name.

2017 began for Brooks with an Alan Parsons Project Tour in New Zealand followed by the [[Grammy Awards]] performance where Brooks arranged and conducted a live orchestra on [[Chance the Rapper]]’s version of ''How Great is Our God'' by [[Chris Tomlin]]. Brooksalso arranged, produced, and recorded new projects for German artist Deborah Rosenkranz, Italian artist Jonathan Cilia Faro, veteran singer [[Crystal Lewis]], and the Saddleback Worship Team. He performed in Brasil with Ron Kenoly and toured Europe, Israel, and the US with Alan Parsons.

| ArtistName = The Secret – [[Alan Parsons]]

| Artist = Alan Parsons
| Producer = Alan Parsons, Tom Brooks, arranger, orchestrator, conductor, keyboards

| Released = 2019

| Label = Frontiers Music

| Type = live
| Name = [[Lift Him Up]] – [[Ron Kenoly]]

| Type = live
| Name = What Aa Mighty God – Ron Tucker / Grace World Outreach Center

| Type = live
| Name = O Magnify Thethe Lord – Ron Tucker / Grace World Outreach Center

| Released = 1985 - Studio Album

| Type = live
| Name = Can't Stop Praising His Name -– Bill & Reneé Morris

| Released = 1987 –

| Released = 1994 – recorded live in Guatemala City, Guatemala

| Released = 1994 – recorded live in Cleveland, TN

| NameType = [[Praise with Don Moen]] (compilation)

| Type = greatest
| Name = [[High Places -– The Best of Ron Kenoly]]

| Type = studio
| Name = [[God Is Good -– Worship with Don Moen]]

| Type = studio
| Name = [[More of You, Lord -– Praise with Don Moen Volume 2]] (compilation)

| Type = studio
| Name = Heal Our Land – Don Moen and Paul Wilbur

| NameType = [[God Will Make a Way: The Best of Don Moen]] (compilation)

| Type = compilation
| Name = [[With a Thankful Heart: The Best of Don Moen]] (compilation)

* {{Official website|https://www.tombrooksmusic.com}}