American Music Texas Style

Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Clarence Gatemouth Brown | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 29, 1999)
• Original Release Date: June 29, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Verve
• ASIN: B00000JHBM
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #76,997 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Gatemouth Brown has come full circle. The Texan launched his recording career back in 1947 with a big band behind him; more recently, first with 1997's Gate Swings album and now this follow-up effort, he's again achieving transcendence alongside a large ensemble. Brown remains a marvelous guitar picker, adding poignant commentary to the broken love plaint "Guitar in My Hand" (his update of a tune from 1947). He reacts to the horn and rhythm sections with taut, witty, jazz-inflected responses on swinging treatments of Duke Ellington's "I'm Beginning to See the Light" and the Kansas City blues-jazz anthem "Jumpin' the Blues." Oh yes, Brown has tremendous command of guitar textures--declarative, subdued, greasy, sensual, prickly, and more. He's an expert fiddler too--note "Rock My Blues Away." And he shows considerable individuality and wisdom as a singer, waxing plaintive on Percy Mayfield's "Strange Things Happen" and assuming a devilishly matter-of-fact attitude for his Lone Star State shuffle "Without Me Baby," where singer Kaye Doran adds to the fun. In all, "American Music, Texas Style" (also Brown's favorite description of the music he plays; don't ever call it "blues"!) is yet another triumph for the cantankerous bandleader. --Frank-John Hadley

From Jazziz

"Variety is the spice of life," says multi-instrumentalist Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown. American Music, Texas Style, his new CD, offers a hybrid of blues and jazz liberally seasoned with other influences from the Texas-Louisiana border. Playing blues, jazz, Cajun, country, and swing during his 50 years in the music business, Brown has refused to be pigeonholed in any way. This new release finds him wearing a myriad of hats, playing guitar and fiddle, as well as singing. Our featured track, "Without Me, Baby," is an upbeat, bluesy tune featuring Brown on guitar. "I listened to an interview with Duke Ellington once," recalls pianist Horace Silver. "The interviewer asked him if he thought humor was important in music, and Duke said, 'If it doesn't have humor, it's nothing.'" That's why the tunes, titles, and lyrics on Silver's new album, Jazz Has a Sense of Humor (Verve), share a light-hearted approach. On the CD, he is joined by Ryan Kisor (trumpet), Jimmy Greene (saxophone), John Webber (bass), and Willis Jones III (drums). As has been his wont in the past, Silver has published lyrics to his songs in the CD's liner notes to make sure listeners get the punch lines.

--- JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Big Band or Blues, December 12, 2005

By 

Mr. Geweke (Tucson Az US) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: American Music Texas Style (Audio CD)

Yes a good album, but a bit overproduced. Many tracks sound more like big band rather than the talented guitar blues that Mr. Clarence Brown is renowned for.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Saw him live, had to get the CD!, September 15, 2000

By 

Down loads - See all my reviews

This review is from: American Music Texas Style (Audio CD)

I first heard of "Gatemouth" Brown when I saw him live at the Kansas City Jazz & Blues Festival in August 2000. He was playing on the 'heritage' (read older folks) stage, along with other luminaries such as Myra Taylor and Claude "Fiddler" Williams.

Even into his seventies, he is a great live performer, and a lifetime of practising 'working the crowd' showed through strongly. He did one of the best jazz violin solos I have heard too, as well as great guitar work.

This album covers a range of his work and shows his command of a variety of instruments. For those who like to 'spice up' their jazz, it is strongly recommended.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Blues meet Swing, April 18, 2000

By 

"khmahoney" (Phila., PA - USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: American Music Texas Style (Audio CD)

Bought it on a whim, and am happy I did. This collection ranges from rootsy blues to swing and jazz. It works on all levels, bringing the three styles together in a tight package that sets you smiling. It's different, and it's good.