Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Reuben Brown: Blue and Brown

Reuben Brown: Blue and Brown

By C. Andrew Hovan
August 1, 2000
Sign in to view read count

A native of Washington D.C., pianist Reuben Brown seems to have made a few records back in the early ‘90s and then disappeared, taken off the scene by some illness alluded to in the liners to this set. In addition to those sides cut in 1994 that appeared on his debut trio date for SteepleChase, Ice Scape, come the fifteen solo tracks included here. Recorded with exceptional clarity, all of the subtle nuances that make up Brown’s mercurial technique come shining through.

Be it a ballad, where his sincere interpretations are affecting, or faster paced material, Brown convincingly tells his story in a fashion that is never showy but which communicates directly with the listener. He evidently likes the piano’s lower register, as his tasty rumblings on “Beautiful Love” make clear. His bebop chops are also in top shape, as he turns “I Believe In You” into the silk purse that one might never think possible. All but two performances push the four-minute mark and maybe that’s why this set, along with the previously mentioned attributes, makes such a strong initial impression. None of the meanderings that often accompany solo discs are to be found here and if Brown makes his way back soon, one can only wonder what future treasures may be in the works.

Track Listing

All My Tomorrows, I Believe in You, I

Personnel

Reuben Brown

Reuben Brown- solo piano

Album information

Title: Blue and Brown | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: SteepleChase Records

< Previous
Premonition

Next >
Producer Don Paul

Comments

About Reuben Brown

Tags

For the Love of Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help

To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.