Robert is a singer/songwriter and draws on a wealth of past experiences. He first toured America with the black funk rock outfit The Blast (later to become The New Order of Gypsys) playing lead guitar. More tours and albums saw him develop his own songwriting skills which enabled him to write and produce several tracks for The Gypsys albums. As Robert says, "One of the best times of my life, very black and very funky"
In November 1998, Robert invited lifelong friend Jason Scopes to collaborate with him and produce his first collection of songs entitled, 'You're My Religion', paving the way and providing the impetus to record two more albums under the name "The Smouldering Sons of the West."
Editors note: You meet some people in the most unlikely of places and so it was with Robert Brown. Not in a New York club or an open mic but in a cemetary on the North Downs, Kent, England. Lets just say we share an interest in ancient yew trees.
Rob seems to tour endlessly, living in a van, which is decked out like home. Everything you would need to tour the festivals and the home counties there at his disposal. Including a brand new pair of wire cutters.. in case he gets locked in somewhere.
Instantly likeable, he does'nt shove his musicianship down your throat.. he'll quite happily talk about the English long bow and musket balls. A modest fellow who gave me his gig guide and a web address. Then take a look at his achievements, see how in demand he is and listen to the intense uniqueness of his music and guitar playing and you will see Robert Brown is a special talent. One that deserves as much exposure as his modesty will allow. (Nev)
6/8/97 - NAJ 046 - Ty North, Stanley Jordan & Blackdog
Something a bit different.. take a look at the website for the nedfest and venue info.. artists in this genre should look furthur for sure..check some of the licks the guitarist churns out on the track NAJ 190..
Nederland Acid Jazz is a first class improvisational Jazz gig where the roster of performers changes from week to week. It is not uncommon that the musicians don't know who they will be playing with until they show up... hence the 'acid' in this 'Acid Jazz.' Often they have never performed with one and other before, and sometimes they have never even met until shortly before the gig. You never know what you are going to get, but this always-evolving cast of extremely high-caliber musicians forces a fresh spark and creates a brand-new sound every Monday night.
Jim’s musical influences include Stan Rogers, Harry Chapin, John Prine, and James Taylor. He opened for Utah Phillips, Rosalie Sorrels, Connie Calder, Michael Lewis, and Scott Parsons and more. Jim’s a folk fest veteran, he has played Universities, been featured extensively in L.A. and was a band member with groups Hero, Panic and The Bow River Lumber Company. He won the Studio One/KeenCraft music award Calgary and the Tudor House Music award in Victoria. A member of SAC and SOCAN, Jim is instrumental in creating and hosting the “Art of the Song” songwriters’ group in Victoria, BC. Jim’s first CD release, titled “Live at Crystal Gardens,” was released July 2009. This CD promises to be something you will enjoy and remember.
