New York, NY (Top40 Charts) The new music from the late
George Brown, beloved co-founder of Kool & The Gang and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, arrives with the release of "MDD." Inspired by the smoky jazz clubs of Paris and New York in the late 1950s and '60s, as well as the enduring spirit of Miles Davis' Great Quintet, the track embodies the smooth yet intricate essence of classic jazz. The single is part of Brown's second posthumous album, Jazz in Paris, out April 18 via Astana
Music Inc/BFD/The Orchard.
Brown's signature drumming—evocative, expressive, and effortlessly in the pocket—sets the tone, while longtime collaborator Curtis F. Williams (Kool & The Gang) adds depth and warmth on keyboards. The immersive, noir-tinged atmosphere is enriched by a groovy bassline, dynamic guitar licks, and swinging horn riffs from Mike Cardone (trumpet) and Philip Wack (saxophone), adding vibrant energy to the track.
"The beauty of this album is its ability to speak to both jazz purists and new listeners," says Curtis F. Williams. "It's rich in musicality and sophistication, but also incredibly inviting—something you can feel just as much as you can analyze.
George had an amazing ability to create music that connects on multiple levels, and Jazz in Paris truly embodies that."
Jazz in Paris is a meticulously crafted body of work that blends the timeless elegance of classic jazz with
George Brown's signature touch, reflecting his lifelong dedication to the universal language of music. Produced by Brown, co-produced by Curtis F. Williams and the late Wolfgang Amadeus Aichholz, and with
Claude Ismael as Executive Producer, the album captures Brown's love for jazz while incorporating contemporary influences he gathered throughout his illustrious career. Recorded primarily during the pandemic at his Alley Kat Studio in Los Angeles, the album features collaborations with longtime musical allies, including Williams and Louis Van Taylor. After Brown's passing, celebrated drummer Vinnie Colaiuta stepped in to finalize key tracks.
To celebrate the release of Jazz in Paris, The
George Brown Ensemble will host an official album release party at The Sun Rose in Los Angeles on April 24. The ensemble, featuring some of George's closest friends and collaborators—Louis Van Taylor, Curtis Williams, Stu Pearlman,
Andrea Lisa, Ian Martin, Mike Condone, Katja Koren, Lyndon Rochelle, and Mykail McDade—will come together for their first-ever live performances. They will perform Jazz in Paris in its entirety across two shows, at 7:30 PM and 10:30 PM. The evening will include special opening sets from George's son, vocalist and pianist
Aaron Brown, making it a true family affair. For tickets, please visit: https://dice.fm/venue/the-sun-rose-mayv
Jazz in Paris Tracklist:
Lisa
What I Love About You
Juliette
MDD
Francess
Daddy Jazz Bow
Addicted to the Hustle
West End Avenue
The Kat
Jardin De Lapin
In the Land of Allah - In the Land of God
George Brown was a pioneering musician and a founding member of the legendary group Kool and The Gang. With a career spanning decades,
George left an indelible mark on the music industry with his unparalleled talent and groundbreaking contributions. Through his music, he continues to inspire and uplift audiences worldwide, ensuring that his legacy lives on for generations to come. Even up until his passing, Brown's remarkable contributions persisted, including the production of Kool & The Gang's 2023 album, 'People Just Wanna Have Fun,' and the release of his memoir, Too Hot: Kool & The Gang & Me. Brown's first solo album, 'Where I'm Coming From,' was released posthumously in
September 2024, further showcasing his musical vision. These efforts further solidified Kool & The Gang's place in music history alongside their iconic hits like "Ladies Night," "Celebration," and "Jungle Boogie."
George Brown passed away in 2023 at the age of 74, leaving behind a lasting legacy. He is survived by his wife, Hanh Brown, and five children.
