Customer Reviews

Up Front

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

What is so cool about this release is that no one is reading this by accident. If you found Paul Brown, you did so by knowing who he is, who he has worked with, and why he is so great. You know what to expect, but that in no way implies that this disc is predictable. You just know that Paul Brown's output is only the best available, and this is exactly what we have on this CD. It is as good as you expect it to be. Buy it.

One reviewer criticized the vocals, saying it sounded like Boz Scaggs. Like that's a bad thing? I would rather hear Boz than Van Morrison, so Paul's version of Moondance is fine with me. It is also restrained, not all out, which gives it an element of cool I like very much.

One star is deducted for the use of drum machines. Paul, I have "Shake It Up", and so do most people who are going to buy your disc. Support LIVE music. Use REAL drummers, it makes a difference. Aside from this, the quality of everything on this disc is the highest. Keep up the good work, Paul. And whoever is reading this review, encourage Mr. Brown, get "Up Front" and love life.

Like to say, this is one of the albums I must-have on my CD player to carry with me at work, school or whatever. 'Cause it reminds me of the great guitar players in jazz I listen to from George Benson to Ronny Jordan, Norman Brown, Wes Montgomery, Jeff Golub, B.B. King, Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Earl Klugh, and many others. Highly recommended.

This Cd is one of the smoothest Jazz cds I've heard in a long time. It is smooth from track 1 through track 12. I appreciate the covering of other songs...however...his next project should have more original material. In any case...if you purchase this cd...you will not be disappointed.

The first solo album (but hopefully not his last) by Paul Brown is an album that follows the modern standards that the Smooth Jazz genre has set. With covers such as "Angel" and "Don't Let Me Lonely Tonight", Brown shows us that he can make a classic song better while retaining the soul of the original track. Songs such as "Chill Out" and "24/7" provide the "funky" portion of his CD and he achieves it in style. This CD has been in my car CD changer for over a month now and I'm still listening to it on a frequency basis. You owe it to yourself to buy this CD, it is truly a work of art.

In the past 12 months, I have heard several jazz albums that had songs produced by Paul Brown (Peter White, Michael Lington, Norman Brown and Euge Groove's albums), about 10-15 of his songs. But this is the first album that Brown has done himself, and it succeeds on all levels. Excellent smooth jazz, especially the first song. The remakes are fabulous and he gives them a modern touch without resorting to nostalgic levels. The best one is My Funny Valentine. Phat Vibe is the best of the original numbers.

I hadn't heard of Paul Brown until I heard 24/7 on smooth
jazz radio. What a terrific guitarist. Really skilled; "silky
smooth" and he obviously has vast talent in many contexts. I sub-
sequently found out that Paul Brown has produced so many great artists.Up front is a really nice CD. I'm not thrilled with Paul's vocals, but his guitar work is so good, I'll get past his
singing. I look forward to future projects.

This album is Ultrasmooth. I have not been moved by a smooth jazz guitarist like this since Norman Brown.Definitely one of the best recordings of the year.A must have for every smooth jazz lover.And If RaydioRay says its good Then buddy its great! Paul keep up the good work.your album is excellent!

I waited in line for this one and was not disappointed..Paul Got the Job Done ! ! !

my dad gave this cd to me about 3 weeks ago....at first,i thought paul was a new kid in this industry..but finally i realized that he has produced so many projects with alot of musicians such as norman brown,rick braun,peter white,etc....i didn't know that he also can play instrument....AND sure he plays it so smooth...especially track number 4, he re-arranged james taylor's old song (don't let me be lonely tonight)..it was just smooth tune...and paul has graduatelty become one of my favorite's guitarists & producers....salute to his first album...and this album is A MUST HAVE ...

By far one of the best, all around, everysong is new, unique, sounds we have been waiting for...no need to put your CD player on "random".....it's the very very best....I honestly cannot wait until his next one...quit producing and start playing more...