Street Date March 6th
A new label and a slightly more open sound finds Paul Brown not reinventing but redefining himself as one of the finest musicians walking the smoother side of the jazz street. The Funky Joint is just that, soulful with a tip of the musical hat to a more R&B groove then previous releases has Brown on top of his game. Paul Brown had some help with this stellar release. A few close friends dropped by to lend a hand including Boney James, Bob James, Euge Groove, Marc Antoine, Bob Baldwain and Darren Rahn.
With over 50 #1 charting smooth jazz hits and considered by many as arguably the genre's top producer, Paul Brown drops his finest release since the 2009 duet Foreign Exchange with Marc Antoine and what many insiders consider his finest work to date. A personal release dedicated to his parents, professional singers for such jazz luminaries as Mel Torme, Frank Sinatra and Barbara Streisand.
A more open ended improvisational sound kicks off the release with the title tune "The Funky Joint." Special guest Boney James joins Brown on "As Clear As Day" a flavorful reminder of back in the day when Brown produced James debut smash Trust in 1992. The Funky Joint is a lyrically driven gem and to borrow a stock phrase from a label executive friend ..."has more hooks then a fisherman's hat." The switch to Woodward Avenue records finds Brown in a far more creative position and also serving as an A&R consultant. I don't read other critics, I don't need to. I do look at listener comments and one overwhelming concern among smooth jazz fans has to be vocals on a release of an artist known for their instrumental prowess. The Funky Joint boasts three vocal tracks that are well placed and work nicely within the overall vibe of the release. "Backstage Pass" is a subtle groove featuring the instantly recognizable sound of Bob James. A warm open and not overly produced sound pushes this tune over the top, a wonderful organic flow bordering on infectious. "Ya Dig" has rising saxophone phenom Darren Rahn paired perfectly with Brown on a tasteful ballad that continues pushing a more soulful vibe.
Roll up your sleeves and expect some dirty...well dirty for Paul Brown. Gone are the days of the overly programmed synthetic ear candy, enter a warm organic sound that is natural and a welcome sonic diversion from some of the smoother jazz floating around in cyber space today. Both as a producer and instrumentalist, Brown is clearly on top of his game and moving his sound forward in a positive direction.
A rock solid release, tasteful yet funky. Paul Brown is the real deal and makes The Funky Joint the perfect hang as he welcomes you to the land of rhythm and groove.
Tracks: The Funky Joint; As Clear As Day; Montreux; Say It Like It Is; Love Don't Come EZ; Tuff Times; Backstage Pass; Ya Dig; From The Ground Up; I Get A Feeling.
Personnel: Paul Brown: guitar, vocals, percussion; Jeff Carruthers: keys,bass,drums; Roberto Valley: bass; M.B. Gordy: drums; Jeff Lewis: trumpet; Victor Cisneros: saxophone; Jeff Caruthers: wah wah; Boney James: saxophone; Marc Antoine: nylon guitar; Marco Basci: keys, vocals; Ricky Lawson: drums; Sergio Gonzales: drums; Tommy Kay: nylon guitar; Dax Reynosa: background vocals; Jonathan Fritzen: piano; Bob James: piano; Bob Baldwin: keys; Bryant Siono: bass; Charles Streeter: drums; Darren Rahn: saxophone; Euge Groove: saxophone.
Already available for pre-order at Amazon you can hit the Amazon link here or check out:
