Paul Brown & Friends: White Sand (2007)

One of the leading Contemporary Jazz guitarists/producers in the world, Paul Brown makes his stunning debut on Peak Records celebrating his intense musical foundation with an elite group of friends. These `friends" include Al Jarreau, Boney James, Bobby Caldwell, Lina, Euge Groove, Rick Braun, Jeff Lorber, Jesse J and David Benoit. Brown has been creating distinctive, "hummable" tracks for years for other artists and has a keen instinct for knowing what his fans want to hear. On "White Sands", his third album as a solo artist, he has created some immediately identifiable tracks which are destined to be come instant crowd pleasers. A two time Grammy award winner, Brown was also named the "most played" artist in the 2006 year end charts for Radio and Records with his #1 track, "Winelight".

Tracklist:

1. White Sand (Jessy J) 4:21

2. The Rhythm Method (Paul Brown) 4:00

3. Makes Me Feel So Good (Paul Brown) 4:06
4. Ol' Skoolin' (Paul Brown) 4:25
5. Mercy, Mercy, Mercy (Paul Brown) 4:18
6. R 'n' B Bump (David Benoit) 4:27
7. I Say A Little Prayer (Paul Brown) 3:37
8. More Or Less Paul (Paul Brown) 4:39
9. For What It's Worth (Paul Brown) 3:36
10. Mr. Cool (Rick Braun) 4:09
White Sand
Hotfile / Depositfiles @ 320K

Paul Brown: Up Front (2004)

Known in the music industry as the "Babyface of Smooth Jazz" due to his enormous success as a top-ranked producer/composer/arranger/engineer for some of contemporary jazz's most recognized talent, Paul Brown steps "Up Front" with his debut for GRP Records. The Grammy award-winning producer, who has had over 38 Number One hits on the smooth jazz charts offers his solo perspective with special guests Rick Braun, Boney James, Chuck Loeb, Jeff Lorber, and Peter White. Additional production from Jeff Carruthers, Jerry Hey, and many others support the style-guru's interpretations that listeners have come to appreciate.

Brown's vocals and smooth jazz guitar offer listeners a winning combination of original songs and great covers that have style, control, that excellent smooth jazz pitch, and a wonderful sense of rhythm. With "Wes Coast Swing," you'll hear Brown with Jeff Lorber on vibraphone playing a breezy blend of shimmery vibes/keyboards and swinging guitar. Brown changes the mood with "My Funny Valentine," and offers a beautiful duet with Peter White, who's playing nylon-string guitar over a percolating Latinesque backbeat.

"Phat City," one of two songs co-written with Jeff Carruthers, gives you a soulful, head bobbing, multi-hued feeling. This song features the dynamic Boney James on saxophone doing what he does best. But the writers do a 360 degree turn with their radio hit "24/7," that features the cool muted trumpet of Rick Braun, and more than one reason to head to the dancefloor. "Dear Ndugu," is a quiet ballad and obvious tribute to the great drummer and educator Ndugu Chancler.

The set closes with the Van Morrison hit "Moondance," and Paul Brown gives it that same enduring smooth jazz essence, with right-on vocals and superb guitar magic. With Up Front, Paul Brown gives listeners 12 excellent reasons to add this to their contemporary jazz collection. — Paula Edelstein, All Music Guide

Tracklist:

01. Wes' Coast Swing (4:30)

02. Angel (3:51)

03. Moment by Moment (4:32)
04. Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight (2:55)
05. My Funny Valentine (4:12)
06. Phat City (4:47)
07. Sweet Sweet Love (4:34)
08. Ain't No Sunshine (3:06)
09. Chill Out (3:53)
10. 24/7 (4:28)
11. Dear Ndugu (3:39)
12. Moondance (3:22)
Up Front
Rapidshare / Hotfile @ 320K

Richard Elliot: Rock Steady (2009)

Richard Elliot has a history of picking the right tune and wrapping his signature sax sound around it -- witness People Make The World Go Round from Metro Blue, which topped the radio charts for 11 weeks. Now it's time to Rock Steady ¬ featuring the famed Aretha anthem, as well as first radio single Curtis Mayfield's Move On Up. Rock Steady also boasts appearances by: Gerald Albright, Rick Braun and Jeff Lorber among others. "I think calling this new album Rock Steady was an obvious and inspired choice for many reasons," Elliot says. "The music that inspired the CD has an enduring quality and is part of our American musical heritage. Beyond that, it's the perfect metaphor for the good fortune I have had to be doing what I love to do for so many years. I took a risk leaving TOP for a solo career and never dreamed at the time that I would still have these wonderful opportunities to record and tour over 20 years later. I don't gauge my career based on sales, popularity and money. However, what matters most is my personal and artistic growth and the opportunities that reveal themselves as I evolve."

Rock Steady

Philippe Saisse: At World's Edge (2009)

Phillippe Saisse is a jazz piano master who has recorded, written and/or produced with such notables as The Rolling Stones, Kirk Whalum, Richard Elliott, Rick Braun, Warren Hill, Dave Koz, Paul Brown & Marc Antoine among others. A blend of smooth lyrical vibes with rock solid jazz-funk, At World's Edge goes much deeper and weaves together a rich melodic tapestry of progressive, impressionistic, and global threads. With guests: Angelique Kidjo, Kirk Whalum, Rick Braun, and Jeff Golub, this album plays easy on the ear but deep into the imagination.

Rick Braun - All It Takes (2009)

Rick Braun's “All It Takes” is a vivid jazz album full of beautiful music performed by an amazing trumpeter and performer. This album is not only for adults, but also for the younger generation that will soon enough appreciate contemporary jazz. The sweet melody of “Christiane” puts your mind at ease while Braun plays his trumpet solo. The music is captivating and you may decide to create your own lyrics to the music or whistle to it. Nevertheless, listening to “Christiane” will let you get involved with the beat. “She’s the One” is upbeat with an emphasis on the trumpets. The music has a little salsa influence where you can slow dance with a partner. The trumpets and percussions make the song relaxing. This track is absolutely pure bliss. “Sleeveless in Seattle” is fresh and original with handclap sounds throughout. Of course the wonderful trumpets are included in this track. Braun commands your attention when listening to this memorable song and you are more than glad to stay alert. Rick Braun is a gifted jazz musician and great trumpeter. “All It Takes” is a classic album that welcomes the hearts and souls of all who enjoy the wonderful music of jazz.

Jimmy Sommers - Time Stands Still (2009)

First take fourteen timeless tunes. Then marry them up with some of the greatest contemporary jazz performers around today. What do you get? ‘Time Stands Still’ the surprising yet wonderful new release from urban jazz saxophonist Jimmy Sommers. It’s an album that represents quite a musical departure for Sommers who’s previous CD, ‘Sunset Collective’, flirted outrageously around the margins of where contemporary jazz meets R & B, Latin and dance. The sensational outcomes that emanated from this stellar 2007 collection makes the wow factor of ‘Time Stands Still’ that much more acute and leaves the listener to marvel at the breathtaking versatility which Sommers has now added to his undisputed creativity.
In fact ‘Time Stands Still’ is a joy from beginning to end and, in the company of Chris Botti, Rick Braun, Paul Jackson Jr., Eric Benet and Bill Cunliffe, Sommers delivers some truly magical moments. Co-produced by Sommers and the legendary Jeff Carruthers ‘Time Stands Still’ also benefits from the arrangements of the Grammy nominated Cunliffe who as writer and pianist is rapidly making a name for himself in the parallel worlds of jazz and classical music.