Customer Reviews

West Coast Coolin

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was very excited when I first learned of the Norman Brown CD coming out, I have all the others, and I had to be first online to get it. My wife and I took a ride in the sunny (yes, sunny) afternoon sunshine of Seattle and we listened...intently.

This effort seems to fortify my original thoughts about Norman and his guitar playing skills. This man plays the guitar as if it's a part of his soul, and he brings that passion to life with this release. Is it his best thus far? No, but it's well worth the money if you're a Norman Brown fan, and a Smooth Jazz Guitar fan, you can't sleep on this one.

Being a Electronica musician myself, I can appreciate Norman's Pro Tools programming on this CD, it's not easy. If anyone says it is, they have no clue.

It's hard to pick a favorite track right now, but I'd say that 'Come Over' was the track that really caught my ear. Its sexy, sultry feel sounded oh so good and so old school with the nu school twist.

No, Norman's not Wes and he's never attempted to be. As was mentioned earlier however, you can't listen without hearing George Benson's influence big time within the music! I believe that if George was at a youthful stage today in his music career, he'd sound allot like this.

Bottom line, get this one! The vocal offerings are just fantastic too! The Marvin Gaye remake of 'What's Going On' is simply inspired! I can foresee another Grammy award for Mr. Brown! This one's hott! Yes, with 2 T's!

Smooth jazz really suffer from a terrible reputation, and I think it's not totally deserved. I think artists like Kenny G. are largely responsible of that fact.
However, with albums like "West Coast Coolin", I think this genre can't go wrong. Norman Brown is to me an artist which follows the footsteps of the great George Benson (that's not to say he's got his genius though).
It's really a dilemma for me to chose between the R&B vocal songs like the funky "I Might", which features the delicious voice of Carole Riddick, and the chillout "cool" jazz tracks focused on guitar-playing like "Up' N' At 'Em" or "Let's Play".
Of course, if you like jazz for its improvisation, please look elsewhere, but if you like your jazz melodic and soothing, this is for you. Many soul heads, such as Eric Benét, James Poyser, Jay Dee, have worked on this album.
It's a delightful album which would deserve to be taken seriously, at least taken more seriously than just as mood music, and to be really listened (I mean a "concentrated listening") like any jazz album would need, no matter what the sub-genre is

TOP 5
1. I Might
2. Up 'N' At 'Em
3. West Coast Coolin'
4. Let's Play
5. Come Over

It was always clear from his background vocals and scats that jazz guitarist Norman Brown could sing. And on West Coast Coolin', his slick, macking on "I Might" and the mature, articulate croons of "Angel" expose a charming facet of his artistry. Still, Brown's vocals dance in unison with his sprightly guitar, a manifestation of George Benson's influence. His guitar strums speak emotions loud enough to feel on standout instrumentals like "Missin' You." When he abandons an established melody for a freestyle jaunt, as on the breezy groove "Up 'N' At 'Em," Brown is at his best.

I listen to the radio and hear the most snappy yet smooth guitar I've ever heard--I had to buy it. When I go to get it, I find out "Take Me There" is old! I buy this CD and it's JAMMIN!. I search this web site to album my song is on, listen to the samples, and almost cry. Norman Brown has albums after albums of some of the smoothest jazzyiest funkiest....man. Like I've been missing out..like I was cheated all these years. Now I've gotta spend all my DVD money and catch up.

Mike in DC

I been a fan of Norman Brown from the get go. Since leaving MOjazz for Warner Bros, I have noticed a change in his style. But for me this change hasn't been for the worse. I really enjoyed this album, far more than Norman's last effort, as there was more sugary songs on that joint than this.Favorities? West Coast Coolin', Come over, Let's play, and angel, not forgetting I might. Highly Recommended.

This CD is excellent, this is what jazz should be like. For anyone, who likes jazz this is a MUST-HAVE. Especially, for those who like smooth jazz, Mr. Brown does it like no one else. When I heard West Coast Coolin' I knew I had to go; get this album. If u like this then get Fourplay'Journey. Every track is great. You can listen to the album from beginning to end.

Norman Brown records his first CD since his Grammy winning, "Just Chillin'" and it's a dandy! This is a marvelous recording with my favorite tracks being, "Up N at 'Em" and the title track. Though not as great as his last couple of CD's, it's still a great listen. Recommended!

In the past I have purchased Norman Brown's CDs without listening to sample tracks - NO MORE! For me, Norman Brown's vocal performances mar some very good instrumental work (I have the same issue with Paul Brown and Nathan East and recent Fourplay CDs). The instrumentals rate 4 to 5 stars.

I remain a Norman Brown supporter but I will be more cautious when he releases his next CD.

What can you say about Norman Brown? An exceptionally gifted technician, with a real knack for melody and arrangement. I had the privilege of seeing him perform his very first live gig in London (at the Orange) in kensington some years ago in support of his fantastic debut 'Just Between Us' (on the now defunct MoJAZZ label). In a world where originality is increasingly hard to come by, Norman seems to make it all look so easy...I suppose that's the same with all virtuosos. I have been an admirer of Norman's ever since his debut, and have acquired all his solo efforts ever since (as well as keeping an eye out for the various guest appearances he makes on other artists CDs). Without being specific, or singling out any track for special attention, what I shall say is the West Coast Coolin' marks a significant development in Normans master plan: to be perceived as a truly versatile musician.....Its impossible to avoid comparing him to Jazz Guitar legend George Benson, especially now that Norman has taken to scatting (evident in his last couple of CDs). I for one don't mind this at all, as long as it is not at the expense of his beautiful fluid guitar stylings. His Grammy achievement is really something to be applauded, and his new set really does raise the benchmark for aspiring Jazz musicians. This CD is a definite 'must buy' for afficionados of fine music, and like the best of vintages, can only mature with time. Congratulations Norman, once again on another magnificent effort. I've already ordered mine!

Yeah, He's my favorite I dubbed recently. This is only the first CD I ever purchased from him at Borders. I love the way that he moves the flavor w/ a more mature sound w/ a smooth taste to it. I always love the vocals and scats that he did on this album. Prove to me, this is highly recommended as a must-have to those that don't listen to jazz pretty often. If for those that are not feelin' it, don't buy it.

Norman, keep doing your thing man and would love for you to put another CD. I look forward of working with you. I'm officially a trumpet player.