Jazz / Contemporary Jazz; Smooth Jazz
Recorded: Funky Joint, Sherman Oaks, California; Sunset Sound, Hollywood, California
Before GRP Records released guitarist-composer Paul Brown's debut album Up Front, his highly successful career as a producer-engineer had earned him the industry honorarium "Babyface of Smooth Jazz." After universal critical acclaim and months on Billboard and R&R's Contemporary Jazz charts, Up Front made Brown a star.
On July 12, 2005 Brown is guaranteed to capitalize on Up Front's smooth jazz breakthrough with his sophomore recording, The City. Co-produced with multi-instrumentalist/digital editor D.C. and featuring some of the best musicians - Boney James, Chuck Loeb, Jerry Hey, Michael Paulo, Jeff Carruthers, Roberto Vally, Herman Jackson, Dave Hooper, Dan Higgins - on today's scene, The City also showcases seven original tunes co-written by the guitarist.
The City opens up in with the funky and sensuous "Cosmic Monkey" featuring Jeffrey Osbourne's slinky overdubbed harmonies. "Hello Again" is Wes Montgomery-breezy soul samba. Next up is "Side Steppin'"s high-spirited blast of '80s-era disco jazz. "The City"'s dreamy blend of Boney James' soulful tenor saxophone, shivery keyboards, boogaloo congas, bluesy guitar and cognac-smooth jazz vocal follows.
"Las Vegas" is an exuberant congress of dancing guitar licks, Michael Paulo's throaty sax and a bouncing hip-hop swing beat. "Old Friends" is a quiet fire ballad caressed by Brown and James' tender interplay. "Winelight"'s blend of Brown's Grover Washington, Jr.-channeling solos and tasty club beats is complemented by the silky-smooth party starter "Jumpin' Uptown." "Food For the Moon"'s cool 'n funky hip-hop jazz groove flows into a faithful/playful voice box-juiced version of Johnny "Guitar" Watson's "Reel Mutha For Ya." Fittingly, the album closes with the sublime Brown/James chillout duet "The City (Instrumental)."
The City proves beyond a doubt that Paul Brown is one of the most exciting and important guitarists in contemporary jazz.
Paul Brown - guitar
Jeffrey Osborne (1) - vocal
Darrell Smith (1) - arranger, drums, keyboards
D. C. (1-5, 9, 11) - programming
Tommy Kay (2) - guitar
Herman Jackson (2, 4, 10, 11) - keyboards
Roberto Vally (2-5, 7, 9-11) - bass
Allon Sams (3) - keyboards, drums
Wendy Moten (3) - background vocals
Gene Cannon (3) - flute
Mic Smith (3) - flugelhorn
Boney James (4, 6, 11) - tenor saxophone
Dave Hooper (4, 10, 11) - drums
Ronny Gutierrez (4, 10, 11) - percussion
Chuck Loeb (5) - keyboards, drums
Michael Paulo (5) - saxophone
Gerald McCauley (6) - keyboards, drums
Joe Wolfe (6) - keyboards, programming
Jeff Carruthers (7, 8) - guitar, keyboards, drum programming
Jerry Hey (10) - trumpet, horn arranger
Gary Grant (10) - trumpet
Steve Holtman (10) - trombone
Dan Higgins (10) - alto saxophone, flute |
