Tom Browne Collection CD

13 classic tracks from one of Jazz's finest trumpet players. Includes the previously unreleased track "Bluesanova (Browne Tom Mix)", remixed by Lord Jamar (Brand Nubian) ft Dead Prez.

Personnel includes: Tom Brown (trumpet, flugelhorn); Dianne Reeves (vocals); Dead Prez (rap vocals); Javon Jackson (tenor saxophone); Bennie Maupin (saxophone); Larry Goldings (piano); Michael Urbaniak (keyboards, programming); Bob Belden, Bernard Wright (keyboards); Marcus Miller (bass); Lenny White, Idris Muhammad (drums); DJ Smash (programming).
Producers include: Bernard Wright, Tom Browne, Turner Battle, Kip Williams, Bob Belden.
Personnel: Tom Browne (trumpet, flugelhorn, keyboards, programming); Tom Browne; Buffy O'Neil, Dead Prez (vocals); John Hart , Bobby G (guitar); Chieli Minucci (acoustic guitar); James Zollar (trumpet); Bob Belden (keyboards, bass guitar); Turner Battle, Battle Turner (keyboards); Al Macdowell, Marcus Miller (bass guitar); Al King , Al King (percussion); Rich Keller (drum programming); Phanalphie Rhue, Silivea Robinson (background vocals); Christopher Murrell, Dianne Reeves (vocals); Bourne (rap vocals); Fred Welsh (guitar); Michal Urbaniak (violin, saxophone, keyboards, programming); Bennie Maupin (saxophone); Javon Jackson (tenor saxophone); Tim Ries (baritone saxophone); Craig Johnson (trumpet); Clark Gayton (trombone); Larry Goldings, Billy Childs (piano); Kip Williams (keyboards, drums); Bernard Wright (keyboards, programming); Jon Dryden (keyboards); Ron Carter (acoustic bass); Jimmy Earl (electric bass); Idris Muhammad, Lenny White, Rodney Holmes, Billy Kilson (drums); DJ Smash (drum programming); Shannon Stewart (scratches); Toni Smith (background vocals).
Additional personnel: Dead Prez (rap vocals).
Audio Remixer: Lord Jamar.
Photographer: Corey Sipkin.
Arrangers: Tom Browne; Bernard Wright; Michal Urbaniak ; Al Macdowell; Jon Dryden; Bob Belden; Lenny White.
Tom Browne is a fine trumpeter whose style is touched by that of Freddie Hubbard and Miles Davis. However, he has mostly chosen the commercial route for his career, enjoying the presence of both electronic rhythms and rappers while only occasionally playing acoustic jazz. He is always reasonably creative no matter what the setting. This sampler has a dozen selections from previously released albums plus a new remix of "Bluesanova." There are some interesting moments along the way, including a heartfelt version of "In a Sentimental Mood" (with Browne in a trio with pianist Larry Goldings and bassist Ron Carter), a fine rendition of "Freedom Jazz Dance," a jam on "Philly Twist," and a Dianne Reeves vocal on "Someday We'll All Be Free." However, the unimaginative electronic rhythms on many of the other tracks (virtually overwhelming "All Blues") along with some so-so vocals and annoying rappers make this eccentric sampler recommended only to the few people who enjoy both rap/hip-hop and jazz. ~ Scott Yanow