AllMusic journalist, Andy Whitman, described Brooks as "... a better than average soul singer, a fine blues interpreter, and a monster guitarist with an ample supply of technique and passion.

He was then part of Alligator Records' 20th Anniversary Tour, performing alongside Koko Taylor, Elvin Bishop, and Lil' Ed Williams.

The Boston Herald described it as "ferocious and unrelenting, The Torch may be the year's best blues album."

In August 2010, he co-wrote three tracks with Chris Beard for the latter's Who I Am and What I Do, released by Electro Glide Records.

It honors the true torch bearers of this unique sound which includes Willie Dixon, Buddy Guy, B.B.

Brooks lives in Dolton, Illinois, and when he is not touring, he is a regular performer at the Odyssey East Lounge on Chicago's South Side.