Search - Norman Brown :: Stay With Me

Going through the Motions

Derek Johnson | United Kingdom | 05/12/2007

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Imagine my excitement, as I happened upon a new Norman Brown release. I quickly paid my money to Amazon, and patiently waited for it too reach my yard. Upon arrival I have been listening to it for a couple of weeks now and it's a mixed bag. On the plus side, there are some gems to be found on this CD. 'Every Little Thing' is a great song, where Norman vocals are really add to this cut, but it's his craft with the guitar that at the fore here. 'So in Love' is a lovely quiet storm moment reminiscent of his time at Mo' Jazz. 'You keep lifting me Higher' again has the guitar at the for front, with a lovely female vocal at the chorus. Lastly 'Let's take a ridge ' kicks off the CD, and is very light and summery track, and a great introduction to the CD.

Now for the cons. A couple of tracks sound like they belong on a Paul brown Cd (Pop's Cool Groove, which Paul Brown produced) and others sound like Norman is just going through the motions ( it ain't Over,), whilst on others his vocal performance is very sub par( the Title track and the awful 'I need you' which also processes some awful lyrics like: 'I need you like the strings on my guitar) In small measures Norman vocals work well, but on too many songs it's in the fore front.

The best moments are when Norman's guitar is at the forefront, and the worst when his vocals take centre stage, or when he seems to be going through the motions.

"

Sounds like RAP

Joseph R. Lee | Sacramento, CA | 06/01/2007

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I really like Norman Brown. He reminds me of the late great Wes Montgomery, and Mr Brown was inspired by his music. However, this CD has only one good cut, mixed with what sounds like Rap music. I think his title begs the question, "Stay with Me". I don't think so, smooth jazz, please on your next CD."

Missed opportunity

Charlie Trece | Los Angeles | 06/10/2007

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I've been reading all these comments and it's hard to believe that so many people (Including a smooth jazz webradio owner) praise this new Norman Brown's album like his best album to date. Arguably Norman Brown is one of the most gifted smooth jazz artist you can find. His MoJazz recordings will remain for many years to come as an absolute reference point for the genre. Said that and after carefully listened "Stay with me" quite a few times I can't find a genuine explanation why so many people agree on this new album as his best work. Surrounded by an amazing crew (including his partners with B.W.B., trumpeter Rick Braun and saxman Kirk Whalum)Norman Brown is unable to ignite the fire that I personally expect from a musician of his caliber. Bland vocals (Norman definetely should stick to his guitar and ocassional scats) mixed with a set of instrumentals that won't surpass anything Norman Brown has done to the present. "Soul Dance" and "Pop's Cool Groove" (you can tell Paul Brown is behind this composition) are the only songs that vaguely reminded me "After the Storm", til this day in my humble opinion the best Norman Brown's album and without any stellar names in the personnel. I feel a great opportunity has been missed this time around considering the outstanding group of musicians available for this work. (Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, Paul Brown, Sam Riney, Brian McKnight, Paulinho Da Costa and the list goes on). Even so,I still remain loyal to Norman Brown as one of my favorite smooth jazz artist and given time, he once again will amaze me with his unique talent and versatility."