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Perfectly capturing the hopeful spirit of global cooperation that defines these challenging times, Foreign Exchange, the stylistically diverse, coolly exotic collaboration by superstar guitarists Marc Antoine and Paul Brown, is more than simply a fresh and compelling addition to their formidable solo discographies—it’s the contemporary urban jazz event of the year.
Paul Brown, one of the leading Contemporary Jazz guitarists/producers in the world, makes his stunning debut on Peak Records celebrating his intense musical foundation with an elite group of friends. "Friends” included are Al Jarreau, Boney James, Bobby Caldwell, Lina, Euge Groove, Rick Braun, Jeff Lorber, Jesse J and David Benoit. Driven by seven powerful originals and three unique reworkings of recognizable classics, White Sand is a celebration of the great soul sounds from different eras (60’s “soul jazz” through 70’s old school and modern hip-hop) that have both influenced and informed the producer/guitarist ’s legacy as a multi-talented creative force in contemporary jazz. Brown has been creating distinctive, “hummable” tracks for other artists for years and has a keen instinct for knowing what his fans want to hear. On “White Sand”, his third album as a solo artist, Brown has created some immediately identifiable tracks which are destined to be come instant crowd pleasers. Brown, a two time Grammy award winner, was also named the “most played” artist in the 2006 year end charts for Radio and Records with his #1 track, “Winelight”. “White Sand” is an album that will be “seen” and “heard” for years to come.
Before guitarist-composer Paul Brown released his 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. Brown was 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 '80l-era disco jazz. "The City"s dreamy blend of Boney James' soulful tenor saxophone, shvery 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 paraty 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 Jonny "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 guitarist in contemporary jazz.
Paul's debut CD, Up Front features 12 Songs, a number of which were co-written by Brown, who also produced the CD. Favorite cover tunes by James Taylor, Van Morrison, Wes Montogomery and Rodgers and Hart round out the album. Guitarist Peter White, multi-instrumentalist Jeff Carruthers, bassist Roberto Vally, trumpeter Jerry Hey and digital editor D.C., join Brown throughout the CD, as do special guests Boney James (saxophone), Jeff Lorber (vibraphone), Rick Braun (trumpet), Chuck Loeb (guitar) and others; the result is nothing less than a very smooth inviting groove.
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