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BUY THE CD
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This is a sublime piece of work by this amazing group of synergistic siblings. The Five Browns are impeccable musicians with a wisdom and style that stretches far beyond their years.
The opening track, Rachmaninoff’s “18th Variation from Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini” makes a perfect showcase for what’s in store – an exquisitely-rendered sun shower of sparkling notes. In Saint Saëns’ “Aquarium” from Carnival of the Animals, Desirae and Deondra Brown are joined by Gil Shaham on violin. This track is sweet, soothing and very easy to get lost in. Also included from Carnival of the Animals is “The Swan,” which features some amazing work by Melody Brown. Gregory Brown’s kicks “Aunt Hagar’s Blues” with some of the most mind-blowing piano work I’ve ever heard. It conjures images of effortlessly frenzied fingers gliding across keys at the speed of light. Ryan Brown’s interpretation of Schubert’s “Gretchen am Spinnrade” is passionate and intense, best listened to with eyes closed. Then there’s Deondra Brown’s absolutely heavenly rendition of “Embraceable You.” Gershwin’s “Home Blues” from An American in Paris, featuring Chris Botti on trumpet, is so beautifully rendered that it’s chilling. The only vocals in this disc are on the bonus track, “Everybody Loves Somebody,” featuring Dean Martin. This song makes for both a delightful treat and perfect finale.
At the risk of sounding shallow, I liked their first album cover much better. It seems that somewhere along the line, some agent or other executive-decision maker saw fit to set The Five Browns in a stiff, intellectual photo shoot, perhaps in an effort to make them more marketable. That wasn’t very nice. Nor was it respectful of the fresh, youthful exuberance that they lend to these timeless classics.
Cover art aside, The Five Browns offer absolute and irresistible talent. You can’t go wrong with this, or any of their works.
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