Norman Brown

Norman Brown is a renowned guitarist known for his enchanting and romantic style that harmoniously blends contemporary jazz and R&B. His musical journey took off with the release of his album ‘Just Between Us’ in 1992, drawing parallels to legendary artists like George Benson and Wes Montgomery. Over the years, Norman has consistently topped the Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Albums chart with albums such as ‘After the Storm’ (1994), the Grammy-winning ‘Just Chillin” (2002), and ’24/7’ (2012) featuring Gerald Albright. His albums ‘Let It Go’ (2017) and ‘Highest Act of Love’ (2019) both secured the number one spot on the chart. Apart from his solo career, Norman is a part of the supergroup BWB alongside Kirk Whalum and Rick Braun, enriching the smooth jazz scene with their collaborative efforts.
Born in 1970 in Shreveport, Louisiana and raised in Kansas City, Norman Brown’s fascination with the guitar began at a young age, inspired by his brother’s acoustic six-string. Influenced by icons like Jimi Hendrix and the Isley Brothers initially, it was Wes Montgomery who truly captivated him and led him into the world of contemporary jazz. After formal music education in Los Angeles, Norman’s debut album ‘Just Between Us’ under Motown’s Mo Jazz label marked his entry into the soul-jazz genre, earning accolades and comparisons to jazz greats like George Benson and Wes Montgomery.
His sophomore album ‘After the Storm’ in 1996 propelled Norman Brown to the forefront of smooth jazz, receiving acclaim as Jazz Album of the Year. Subsequent releases like ‘Better Days Ahead’ and ‘Celebration’ under Warner Bros. showcased his exemplary talent, with ‘Just Chillin” bagging a Grammy Award in 2002. Norman’s collaborations with BWB on ‘Groovin” and solo works like ‘West Coast Coolin” and ‘Stay with Me’ established him as a key figure in contemporary jazz. His consistent success continued with albums like ‘Sending My Love’ (2010) and ’24/7′ with Gerald Albright, reaffirming his status as a versatile and influential guitarist in the jazz landscape.

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