George Brown - Jazz in Paris (2025)

March 6, 2025 – George Brown, beloved co-founder of Kool & The Gang and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, will release his second posthumous project, ‘Jazz in Paris,’ on April 18 via Astana Music Inc/BFD/The Orchard. Inspired by the smoky jazz clubs of Paris and New York in the late 1950s and ‘60s—a sound that shaped Brown’s musical world from an early age—the album reflects his deep love for jazz while showcasing his musical versatility. The first single, “Lisa,” a sultry, classic jazz composition, is out now, featuring smooth instrumentation, brass accents, and a full-bodied walking bassline. On the track, Brown performs drums, vocals, percussion, and keyboards, highlighting his remarkable range as a multi-instrumentalist.

‘Jazz in Paris’ is a meticulously crafted body of work that blends the timeless elegance of classic jazz with George Brown’s signature touch, reflecting his lifelong dedication to the universal language of music. Produced by Brown, co-produced by Curtis F. Williams and Wolfgang Amadeus Aichholz, and with Claude Ismael as Executive Producer, the album captures Brown’s love for jazz while incorporating contemporary influences he gathered throughout his illustrious career. Recorded primarily during the pandemic at his Alley Kat Studio in Los Angeles, the album features collaborations with longtime musical allies, including Williams and Louis Van Taylor. After Brown’s passing, celebrated drummer Vinnie Colaiuta stepped in to finalize key tracks.

A central influence on ‘Jazz in Paris’ is the groundbreaking work of Miles Davis. Brown, inspired by Davis’ ability to push musical boundaries, infused the album with melodic and harmonic textures reminiscent of Davis’ First and Second Great Quintets of the 1950s and 1960s. This influence is especially evident on “Lisa,” a modal jazz composition featuring a straight 4/4 rhythm, muted trumpets, and a flurry of improvisation with interchangeable blues elements. Brown’s reverence for Davis is woven throughout the album, reflecting his commitment to honoring his jazz roots while offering his own modern interpretations.

TRACKLIST

1. George Brown - Lisa
2. George Brown - What I Love About You
3. George Brown - Juliette
4. George Brown - MDD
5. George Brown - Francess
6. George Brown - Daddy Jazz Bow
7. George Brown - Addicted To The Hustle
8. George Brown - West End Avenue
9. George Brown - The Kat
10. George Brown - Jardin De Lapin
11. George Brown - In The Land Of Allah - In The Land Of God