The result is a stunning collection of 10 mesmerizing tunes, including the poignant lead single "Still Here" -- featuring the soulful rapture of Vivian Green, telling the passionate tale of how taking a risk on love can have a happy ending. "Your Smile," the album's lead jazz single, is an exquisite rhythmic excursion underscored with an undeniable buoyant groove. Brian recruited the R&B vocal prowess of singer Stokley Williams to enhance the melodic elegance of "No Limits," whose romantic lyrics accentuate the thrill of actualizing an altruistic union. On "You're My Music," Boston-based singer Noel Gourdin pours his thick, soulful vocals over both Brian's shimmering piano chords and bass guitar licks.
Dreams was arranged by esteemed R&B producer and longtime collaborator Rex Rideout (Angie Stone, Ledisi, Luther Vandross, Lalah Hathaway, Will Downing, Kem) while also calling on four of R&B's top session players to help round out the sound: bassist Alex Al (Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones) and guitarists Michael Thompson (Babyface, Toni Braxton), Rob Bacon (Beyoncé, Raphael Saadiq), and John "Jubu" Smith (Frankie Beverly & Maze, Whitney Houston).
Brian has released his 4-track EP Dreams featuring several of the album's stellar tracks, "Your Smile," "Later Tonight," "Still Here" f/ Vivian Green and "No Limits" f/ Stokley Williams. The EP serves as a delectable audio appetizer for Brian's full length album due out this Summer 2012.
With the concept of dreams, Brian felt enraptured in a vivid sequence of thoughts, images, and sensations -- a lifelike realm where radiant colors, sounds, and illusions intersect, creating the most vibrant experience.
"Last summer, I just started having these really vivid dreams, I was waking up inspired to get into the studio and write songs. Songs that made me feel like those dreams. On this whole record, I really concentrated on piano melodies that were really catchy and emotional. Melodies that tried to take you somewhere. On a little musical journey, if you will."
Having worked with an array of stellar R&B artists such as Faith Evans, Ledisi, Brian McKnight, Kenny Lattimore, Musiq Soulchild and Avant on his past albums -- in total, Brian has produced or performed on over 25 No. 1 records, topping the Billboard Charts, regularly appearing as the opening act for Barry Manilow, lauded by Prince, and received six Oasis Jazz Awards.
Upcoming events and tours include the already sold-out Brian Culbertson's Napa Valley Jazz Getaway, taking place between June 7-10th. Celebrating the finest in wine, food, art, and music in the heart of California's rich viticultural Napa valley, guests of the festival will be entertained by Brian and a host of special guests and fellow recording artists including comedian Sinbad, pianist David Benoit, saxophonists Eric Marienthal and Eric Darius, and vocalists Kenny Lattimore and Oleta Adams. Brian will also head out on tour with legendary jazz saxophonist David Sanborn during a 30-date stop appropriately titled The Dream Tour which will take place at an array of venues including wineries, cruises, casinos and festivals between June 17th and September 22nd.
2012 is certain to be a pivotal turning point in Brian's illustrious career. Dreams holds the key to a new dimension of the jazz listening experience by effortlessly combining elements of R&B and soul with spellbinding melodies and the marvel of inner visions. With Dreams, as with his previous efforts, Brian proceeds to keep the genre of jazz alive and viable by consistently injecting a fresh approach into his own unique sensibility. Dreams definitely proves that jazz and groove fit hand-in-glove.
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