|
On his new album you can see familiar faces and also new ones that Norman is convinced will be an asset to his album. In the order of the album are involved Lew Laing (bass, drums, keys), Paul Brown (percussion), Greg Vail (sax), Wirlie Morris (vocals, keys, drums, bass), Gorden Campbell (drums), Shane Theriot (bass, keys, rhythm guitars, drums), Lenny Castro (percussion), David Torkanowsky (keys), Jeff Carruthers (keys, bass, drums), Ron King (trumpet, horn arrangement), Gerald McCauley (keys, drums), Joe Wolfe (bass), Cali Dreamz (computer programming), and James Champion (vocals). Norman has written most of the tracks in collaboration with the participating studio musicians. The album also contains one cover. All songs are short and crisp, best suited to get your message across in the blink of an eye. “A joyful and peaceful mental state, surrounded by companionship in an atmosphere of inspiration and beauty that is illustrated by the colors of nature.” Opener of the album is Back At Ya. With full momentum Norman conquers our hearts, which actually belong to him long ago. Accurately he serves us with guitar riffs that exactly capture the musical idea. Let's Get Away features the new discovery, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Wirlie Morris. Wirlie is an established producer from the R&B environment of such groups as SOS Band, The Gap Band or The Ohio Players. The horn powered Easy Livin' ties in with the Motown style of the 60s. Parallels to Hugh Masekela's song Grazin' in the Grass are respectfully intended. Down Here On The Ground was the last album by jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery, who died all too soon, and with which he paved the ground for the melodic jazz known to us as smooth jazz. Norman's tribute to the old master slightly raises the tempo to a contemporary level. This does not detract from the beautiful melody. I love Norman's lyrical style and the sound of his guitar. With L.A. Chill Norman sets a groovy counterpoint, just to show how far the music has developed since then. When you have to talk out your problem with someone close to you in order to find a solution, it is sometimes especially difficult. Talk It Out is Norman's powerful push to get things done. Wes Side Story is a clever alteration of the well-known title West Side Story and again makes reference to guitar legend Wes Montgomery. Brown's first collaboration with the guitarist better multi-instrumentalist Shane Theriot who has become particularly well known as the musical director of Hall & Oates. Late Night Drive is a special treat, as Norman takes the opportunity to explore the creative limits of his guitar for virtually the entire length of the piece. With I Won't Hurt You Norman again places himself in the R&B area and lets vocalist James Champion take the lead as a soloist. The album ends with the mood piece Sunset On Chandler. Norman Brown's Let's Get Away is the musical proof that smooth jazz has lost none of its luminosity. You just have to find the right album, with Norman Brown you always land a hit.
|
Out
of all the chaos around us at the moment, Norman Brown takes us away to
his musical island of bliss. Let's Get Away (2022) gives us
time to relax and switch off from the worries of everyday life. Thus,
all his skills and talents serve only the single purpose of spreading
the maximum entertainment.
