Tom Browne Albums (9)
What The Critics Say
Tom Browne returns to his R&B roots with this collection of favorites from the '70s through the '90s, including "Hanging on a String" and "Unbreak My Heart." Just as Browne's music fuses his love of soul and jazz, this collection brings together luminaries from both worlds as Browne's special guests Chieli Minucci, Dianne Reeves, Christian McBride and KCB of Us3 all make contributions to R 'N' Browne's musical flavor. Smooth and soul-stirring, R 'N' Browne should please fans of contemporary jazz and R&B alike. [The CD was also released with a bonus track.] ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide
'Another Shade of Browne'
Release Date 1/1/1996
Tracks 7
Label Hip Bop Essence
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Tom Browne gained some fame for his R&B-ish/funk recordings cut for Arista and GRP during 1979-1986. In those days he would often record an occasional straight-ahead number in the middle of his crossover sets; 1981's Yours Truly has a fine version of "Lazy Bird." In 1986 Browne was dropped by GRP and since then he has become a commercial pilot. On the liner notes of his comeback album, he disavows his earlier recordings, saying that at heart he was a hard bop player all along. During this 1996 set Browne, who is most influenced by Freddie Hubbard and Lee Morgan, occasionally has inventive ideas that his chops cannot quite play; it can be tough being a part-time player. The music is strictly straight-ahead in the Blue Note vein with plenty of solo space for Javon Jackson's tenor and pianist Larry Goldings and fine support offered by bassist Ron Carter and drummer Idris Muhammad. With the exception of "In a Sentimental Mood," all of the numbers were either composed by or associated with a trumpeter, and even with an occasional misstep, Tom Browne's playing in this setting is well worth hearing. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'Mo' Jamaica Funk'
Release Date 10/19/1994
Tracks 9
Label Hip Bop Essence
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
If Tom Browne had stuck with jazz, he might have gone far as a straight-ahead trumpeter in the Clifford Brown/Freddie Hubbard/Lee Morgan tradition. Instead, he made vocal-oriented R&B/funk his main focus, and his Arista albums of the late '70s and early '80s should be judged by R&B standards instead of jazz standards. Rockin' Radio, Browne's fourth album, has nothing to do with straight-ahead jazz. Browne provides the occasional pop-jazz instrumental (including the Chuck Mangione-ish "Angeline" and an introspective version of the Roberta Flack hit "Feel Like Making Love"), but funk and urban contemporary dominate the LP. When Rockin' Radio came out in 1983, R&B was becoming increasingly high-tech -- and much of the material reflects that. Tunes like "Turn It Up (Come on Y'all)," "Crusin'," and the hit title song make it clear that Browne was well-aware of the electro-funk sounds that were big in 1983; the influence of Herbie Hancock's "Rockit" and the System's hits is hard to miss. However, Browne also covers his quiet storm bases -- not only on the occasional instrumental, but also on "Brighter Tomorrow" (which features vocalist Carol Woods). Although not quite as strong as 1980's Love Approach or 1981's Magic, Rockin' Radio is an enjoyable record that Browne's hardcore fans will appreciate. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Like Roy Ayers, Patrice Rushen, George Benson, and George Duke, Tom Browne is a perfect example of a jazz musician who switched to R&B and was lambasted by jazz snobs for it. As jazz's hardcore saw it, the trumpeter was a sellout -- a gifted Clifford Brown disciple who was shamelessly wasting his chops playing commercial music. But commercial music isn't necessarily inferior to jazz, and the fact is that much of Browne's soul/funk output was excellent. While jazz snobs dismissed Browne's third album, Magic, because it contains very little jazz, the Dave Grusin/Larry Rosen-produced LP has a lot going for it from a soul/funk standpoint. The only cuts on Magic that have anything to do with jazz are the sensuous quiet storm instrumental "Night Wind" and a lush Grusin arrangement of Billie Holiday's "God Bless the Child." This is an R&B album first and foremost, and those who admired Browne for his 1980 hit "Funkin' for Jamaica" also admired such Magic cuts as the funky "Let's Dance," the Earth, Wind & Fire-ish "I Know," and the addictive funk hit "Thighs High (Grip Your Hips and Move)," all of which feature vocalist Toni Smith -- a passionate, Chaka Khan-influenced belter who had been featured on "Funkin' for Jamaica." While jazz snobs would be better off passing on Magic, R&B fans will find a lot to admire about Browne's third album. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
During the early '80s, Tom Browne sold a lot of records playing R&B-ish dance music. Occasionally, he would display his Freddie Hubbard-inspired trumpet and hint at potential that he had yet to realize. This particular album was better than most, for in addition to throwaway tunes (five of the seven commercial numbers have forgettable vocals), Browne plays two John Coltrane songs (a swinging "Lazy Bird" and "Naima") with a sextet and fares pretty well. It is a pity that the remainder of the album is not on the same level. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
When trumpeter Tom Browne hit the Billboard charts in 1980, one would have thought that he was an overnight sensation. However, the licensed pilot had several years under his belt working with Weldon Irvine, Sonny Fortune, and others. His debut smash single, "Funkin' for Jamaica (N.Y.)," took the music industry by storm. Between Browne's piercing horn intro and his chilling riffs in the vamp, the New York native and his cohorts lay down one jammin' groove. From the thunderous bass of Marcus Miller and Browne's trumpeting trips to the salacious vocals of Toni Smith and the colorful conversation referencing Browne, this single was slick and exhilarating. Smith co-wrote the song with Browne, which claimed the number one spot for four straight weeks. In addition to Toni Smith's outstanding vocals, Browne also employs vocalist Viki Sylva on the serene number "Weak in the Knees." Browne fills the vocal gaps in the verse and echoes Sylva in the chorus as she exudes a Michael Franks ambience. "Her Silent Smile," which features guitarist Bobby Broom and pianist Bernard Wright, who are also featured on "Funkin' for Jamaica," is reminiscent of Chuck Mangione. Aside from "Funkin' for Jamaica," the other selections are of the jazz vein. Browne does not try to redefine jazz or the trumpet; he just lays down some good music. ~ Craig Lytle, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Straight fusion set by trumpeter Tom Browne, replete with double-tracked vocals and songs heavy on backbeats and light on solos. Everything is nicely played, and the album did do moderately well on charts and with Adult Contemporary audiences. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
