The joy that emanates from guitarist Norman Brown while he is playing is palpable. The guitar is simply an extension of him. The multi-platinum selling and chart-topping musician is an artist who is truly in service of the music with the goal to be a force for positivity. With all of the accolades that Norman Brown has amassed the past three decades, including GRAMMY® and Soul Train Music Awards, he has stayed the course for one reason. “Knowing that I’ve been commissioned by the Highest to channel a message of inspiration and motivation, brings me happiness,” he states.
The Atlanta-based musician’s love affair with the guitar began at age eight. Watching his older brother play, Norman was drawn to the energy radiating from what he now calls his “Spirit Catcher,” the strings on the guitar. Waiting for his brother Roy Brown Jr. “Popsicle” to leave, Norman couldn’t wait to get his hands on his six-string carefully stored in the closet. Luckily for us, Brown’s love affair with the guitar is still going strong. His technical wizardry, genre-bending facility, soulful finesse and charisma have made him one of the most sought-after internationally renowned musicians in Contemporary Jazz. Just ask his devoted and loyal fan base affectionately dubbed “Normantics.”
A musician’s musician, Brown has collaborated with everyone from George Benson, Brian McKnight, Kirk Whalum and Miki Howard, to Jeff Lorber, Gerald Albright, Rick Braun, Peabo Bryson and Chanté Moore, to name a few.
On March 25, 2022, Shanachie Entertainment released Norman Brown’s 13th recording as a leader and fourth for the label, Let’s Get Away. Brown’s own take on the perfect getaway involves “a joyful and peaceful mental state, surrounded by companionship in an atmosphere of inspiration and beauty that is illustrated by the colors of nature.” Let’s Get Away conjures the serenity, joy and beauty that Brown wishes for us all.