On his Innervision Records debut dee Brown, whose
tasty melodies, grooves and vibe perfectly reflect its unforgettable title:
Brown Sugar, Honey-Coated Love collaborates with some of Detroit’s best local
talent including Desi McCullers, Jr. The son of one of the original Motown
“Funk Brothers”; Valdez Brantley, longtime keyboardist and MD for Usher; his
brother, bassist Kern Brantley, Musical Director for Lady Gaga; Chip Dixson, a
notable gospel player, “soul trumpeter” and instrumental recording artist Lin
Rountree and DJ Shannon Weiss.
Realizing
that jazz comes out tastier when he’s inspired by and bouncing ideas off
musicians and songwriters he admires, Brown co-penned with Dixson “Honeycomb
and “I’m Here For You (I’ll Never Leave You),” featuring the soulful vocals of
co-writer Shaunia Edwards. In addition,
the guitarist co-wrote seven new tracks with Valdez, including “My Love’s
Forever” (with McCullers); “Smile Again” (with lead vocal by co-writer Arnell
Carmichael); “Pleasurable Dream” (featuring Brown on scat vocals); “Ice Cream
Sunday”; “Natural Love”; and the infectious title track featuring Rountree’s
soaring trumpet and flugelhorn. Brown includes a glorious, old school cover of
The Intruders’ Philly Soul hit “I’ll Always Love My Mama” as a dedication to
his beloved mother, Roceal Brown.
Where
does all the sweetness on Brown Sugar, Honey-Coated Love come from? Same place
Brown’s music always has--his faith in God. Raised in church, Brown plays
gospel music every Sunday at his congregation Baptist World Changers in
Detroit. To that end, Brown happily offers thoughtful and dynamic music that
stands apart in today’s crowded contemporary urban jazz landscape. The
guitarist also notes that just as honey is natural sugar, his sound and his
tunes come from an organic, soulful place.
"Even
when I’m playing music that both fans of sacred and secular music can enjoy,
that’s always a foundational inspiration for me as a songwriter and artist.”
"My
father George "Sonny" Brown introduced me to Jazz and improvisational
music, had that not happen, I would've never known my true passion. ‘Sonny’ is
the song I dedicate to my dad, and ‘A Little Elbowroom’ is the CD that is dedicated
to the man who is my true hero George "Sonny" Brown."
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