Born in Los Angeles, Brown grew up surrounded by music thanks to his parents, who met while singing in Mel Torme's band the Meltones. Banging on drums and picking up the guitar early in elementary school, Brown began to produce and mix tunes while in high school. Drums were his early passion-Brown played with British blues singer Long John Baldry for five years, and he jammed at the Troubadour in Los Angeles in a band he started with high-school friends. Like many in smooth jazz, Brown drifted into the genre after hearing George Benson's Breezin' in 1976. "It was the first time I'd heard a guitar take so much attention on music that wasn't straightahead jazz." Eight years later, he was an assistant engineer on Benson's 20/20 and, 22 years later, produced Benson's Standing Together CD.
In the late 1980s, Brown got a big break when pianist David Benoit got him a gig mixing a song for smooth-jazz saxophonist Sam Riney-which also led to playing on Riney's subsequent tour. In addition to his smooth jazz work, Brown's been an engineer or producer on CDs by J.J. Cale, Earth, Wind & Fire, Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross and Jennifer Warnes, among others. He's also appeared on the soundtracks to Children of a Lesser God, Bodies, Rest & Motion, Dressed to Kill and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
With his new career, Brown says he's excited about playing some gigs-he rekindled the spark of his stage days during the 2003 Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival. "I love the instant response and gratification," Brown says. He's also now thinking about the direction of his follow-up CD.
Still, don't look for Brown to step away from producing and mixing CDs. He'd break too many hearts. "Paul brings confidence to sessions," Groove says. "He isn't afraid to make a decision, commit to it and move on. Not to say he is afraid to experiment or take a chance-he will. He's got that vibe."
He know's what time it is!
TheRegio120 4 months ago
Wow Mr. Brown i trully do have to say that your music has put me at ease and is a true element of relaxasashion .... thank you for your gift
benis8406 10 months ago
Thank you boswell69 for uploading this dope jazz groove with the great Boney James on saxaphone.
jon92336 1 year ago
fantastic bluesy vibe to this song
esdenaze 1 year ago