Spotlight on: Norman Brown
Performance: Friday & Saturday, January 24-25
MULTI-PLATINUM GRAMMY WINNING SMOOTH JAZZ GUITARIST
“A culmination of Jimi Hendrix and George Benson with some of Wes Montgomery thrown in.”– JazzTimes Magazine
“One of contemporary jazz’s brightest lights…a master player and improviser. — AllMusic
‘Music is a language, it speaks to the invisible part of us that moves the physical part of us,” declares the charismatic, introspective, and deeply spiritual Grammy-winning guitarist Norman Brown. The multi-platinum selling and chart-topping guitar guru has been thrilling international audiences for over four decades with his jaw-dropping virtuosity, soul-stirring performances, and gravity-defying technique. It is no surprise that the iconic George Benson calls Norman Brown, “one of the greatest and most articulate guitarists out there.” A musician’s musician, Brown has collaborated with Dave Koz, Brian McKnight, Kirk Whalum, Miki Howard, Jeff Lorber, Gerald Albright, Rick Braun, Peabo Bryson, and Chanté Moore.
In March of 2024, Norman Brown released his fourteenth anticipated release as a leader, It Hits Different, a collection of eleven invigorating originals that transport you on a fantastic voyage through the best elements of Jazz, R&B, Pop, Blues, and beyond.
Fun facts about a few of his other noteworthy albums:
- 1992 Just Between Us: Brown’s debut album included collaborators Boyz II Men, Stevie Wonder, and Kenneth H. Williams.
- 1994 After the Storm: Awarded jazz album of the year by Soul Train Music Awards and The Gavin Radio Award by remaining on the charts for over two years.
- 1996 Better Days Ahead: Earned him a broader audience and the American Jazz Award.
- 2002 Groovin’: From BWB, a trio with saxophonist Kirk Whalum and trumpeter Rick Braun.
- 2007 Stay with Me: included No. 1 smooth jazz radio hit, “Let’s Take a Ride”.
- 2010 Sending My Love: “The CD is about pure love, love in all its many aspects: a personal relationship and a general love for the planet and for people.” Brown says. Daughter Rochella Brown, then student at Berklee, sings with Brown on “Celebrate Me Home”, a dedication to the troops in Iraq, which included his other daughter.
- 2011 24/7: A collaboration with Gerald Albright which included number one single, “In the Moment”, and earned Brown a Grammy Award nomination.
A preview of Norman Brown, from his visit to Middle C Jazz.
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