Paul Brown: Upfront

More than any other producer in his genre, Brown defines what makes a hit. The “Paul Brown sound” is one that smooth artists kill for, and what a long list of artists have ridden to the top, from George Benson, Al Jarreau, Norman Brown and Euge Groove to Rick Braun, Boney James, Peter White and Larry Carlton. The 12-song CD is grooving and melodic, showcasing Brown’s guitar, drums and—yes—vocals. He scats on “Wes’ Coast Swing,” sings straight up on Van Morrison’s “Moondance” and alters his voice with a vocoder on James Taylor’s “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight.” The recording's first single, “24/7,” is already a smooth jazz radio smash. Other singles abound: the Wes Montgomery-penned “Angel”; the Larry Carlton-sounding “Moment by Moment,” with scatting; and the traditional “My Funny Valentine,” which Brown turns into a smooth classic and gets a chance to really play his guitar.

Brown’s list of guest musicians is impressive: Peter White, Boney James—for whom Brown has produced eight recordings—Jeff Lorber, Rick Braun and Chuck Loeb. Also on board are multi-instrumentalist Jeff Carruthers, whom Brown has known since his early mixing days, and French DJ star Cam, who rewrote a rap song and stripped it down with Brown for song called “Chill Out.”

An amazing debut.