Louisiana born guitar star Norman
Brown is not only popular among his fans, affectionately called the
Normantics. It speaks for his quality that every music critic
thinks highly of him and he also enjoys an excellent reputation
among famous musicians like Gorge Benson. Everything is confirmed
by sales figures that go into the platinum range and finally his
work is crowned by winning a GRAMMY.
Norman is not a
musician who rests on his merits, he is dedicated to his music
with too much heart blood. His newest project is Heart To
Heart, which will be released on August 7, 2020. This is his
12th album and the third on Shanachie Entertainment. Norman called
and they all came. The following musicians have joined his
project: Lew Laing (keys), Roberto Vally (bass), Paul Brown (drums
and Wah Wah guitar), Lee Thornburg (trumpet and horn arrangement),
Greg Vail (sax), Lenny Castro (percussion), Peter White (nylon
guitar), Jeff Carruthers (keys, drum and bass programming), Jeff
Lorber (piano, keys), Teddy Campbell (drums), Gregg Karukas
(keys), David Mann (horns), Chris "Big Dog" Davis (drums, bass,
keyboards programming), Phil Davis (keys and drum programming),
Sonny Emory (drums), Sean Michael Ray (bass), Gary Novak (drums),
Nate Kearny (bass), Lil' John Roberts (drums), Tres Gilbert
(bass), and Ira Moore IV (vocals).
Legendary guitarist Wes Montgomery is one of Norman's idols,
deeply influencing his music. Heading Wes is Norman's
tribute to this guitar giant and also to Norman's father who was
an avid lover of Wes' music. The combination of Norman Brown and
Peter White on the title track promises a musical delicacy and
indeed both masters of their instruments find the perfect
harmonies and interplay.
On Unconditional Jeff
Lorber on synth bass is undoubtedly the driving force that propels
Norman Brown to top performances and lets his virtuosity shine.
Norman Brown is a devout musician with deep spirituality. Amen
comes from the center of his heart. Just Groovin' is the aptly title
for exactly what you can listen too.
The title already suggests it. Brighter My Light Shines is directed to Heaven. A spiritual collaboration between Norman and keyboardist Phil Davis. Also the relationship between two people is not neglected in Norman's repertoire. She's Mine starts with a fantastic horn arrangement by David Mann and Jeff Lorber's keyboard wizardry is out of this world.
I Miss Your Groove is a
hypnotic run between Norman and Phil perfectly accompanied by Lil'
John Roberts' rim shot rhythm. Professionalism, and total
musicianship are also written on the banner of Ocean Breeze
featuring Jeff Lorber on keys. Paul Jackson and David Mann join
the line-up of the previous song in Keep The Faith giving
the song the extra power.
Final track of the album is
Outside The Norm, which already stands out from the rest of
the album with a playing time of 8:27. But also stylistically
Norman treads a new world, which shows his rocking corners and
edges.
Norman Brown never lets you down on
his album Heart To Heart. One captivating and enticing
song after another lines up like a string of rainbow-colored
pearls.
Buy the album in all stores Further Reviews:
Stay With Me
Album Information
Title: Heart To
Heart
Artist: Norman Brown
Year: 2020
Genre: Smooth Jazz
Label: Shanachie Entertainment
Tracks:
1) Heading Wes (3:21)
2) Heart To Heart (4:11)
3)
Unconditional (3:43)
4) Amen (3:35)
5) Just Groovin'
(4:25)
6) Brighter My Light Shines (4:23)
7) She's Mine
(5:16)
8) I Miss Your Groove (3:37)
9) Ocean Breeze (4:13)
10) Keep the Faith (3:45)
11) Outside The Norm (8:27)
Sending My Love
24/7