Paul Brown is a two-time Grammy Award winning producer (Al Jarreau, George Benson, Peter White, Boney James) and has proven himself a very respectable jazz guitarist with three hit CDs and two number one songs. Marc Antoine is a French-born classically trained guitarist who has recorded with a broad range of artists such as George Benson, Rod Stewart, Celine Dion and Sting (and, yes, Wayman Tisdale, Decisions, 1998). Paul Brown and Marc Antoine, along with Kenny Rankin, first performed together in 2008 as part of “Paul Brown’s Guitar Night.” That collaboration led Brown to invite Antoine to play along with him on a new song that was part of an album under production. That partnership developed into the new Peak Records (Concord Music Group) album, Foreign Exchange.
Foreign Exchange is an eclectic mix of contemporary smooth jazz, samba, pop and soft rock. The 10-track collection seduces the listener into both tranquility and movement with its swinging, swaying Brazilian/Latin rhythms (of which “Flight of the Conchords” is an excellent example). The addition of Antoine also gives this album an international flavor. Antoine has interest in a wide range of styles: Afro-pop, flamenco, reggae dub, rock, jazz (he toured with Basia), pop (he played on Selena’s last album) and hip-hop.
This is a guitar-lovers album. Unlike Brown’s previous, guest-filled and very popular CD, White Sand (2007), there are no vocals; so the two guitarists carry almost all of the melodic interest. It is natural when two jazz guitarists get together to remember the remarkable pairing of George Benson and Earl Klugh (Collaboration, 1987). While Brown and Antoine may not be quite the giants of guitar that Benson and Klugh are, it is an estimable combination nonetheless. Marc Antoine is a perfect complement for Paul Brown in both style and tone. Antoine’s nylon string guitar and Brown’s sublime Gibson L-5 coalesce into a warm, round, rich string orchestra of smooth jazz. Brown’s oft-used technique of voicing melodic lines in octaves (“On The Down Low”) is suggestive of Benson’s style (which in turn, Benson owes to Wes Montgomery).
Brown and Antoine (co-producers) are joined by smooth jazz notables Philippe Saisse (keyboards), Jessy J (flute), Gregg Karukas (keyboards) and a three piece horn section. Brown’s experience as a producer is evident throughout in the tasteful addition of a string background here, a flute fill there, and judicious use of the horns to complement, but not overwhelm the two guitars.
Foreign Exchange doesn’t have quite the funkiness of White Sand, but it is there. “Brother Earl,” a tribute to late drummer Earl Palmer, has a memorable bluesy vamp that is reminiscent of Herbie Hancock’s “Cantaloupe Island.” “What About Bob” is a samba with a funky and catchy bass & keyboard line. “On the Down Low” is a slow, bluesy number with some funky keyboard and flute interjections.
This is a very comforting and tasteful collection of smooth guitar jazz by two accomplished guitarists already successful in their own solo careers. .
Mike Reynolds-MuzikReveiws.com Staff
July 5, 2009
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