Brown Ensemble, Rob

Crown Trunk Root Funk

Label: Aum Fidelity Country: USA

"Rob Brown is an awesome alto saxophonist, a mercurial improviser who is perpetually inventive. AUM Fidelity has recorded him many times over the years as a foundation member of the principal groups of William Parker, with whom he has shared a musical relationship for over 20 years. Brown has also revealed himself to be a very gifted composer and group leader. This particular ensemble was first brought together for a performance at the 2006 Vision Festival. It was deemed essential that this group be brought into the studio to make an album.

A focus of Crown Trunk Root Funk is deep grooves, with brightness and openings provided by Brown's gorgeous, indelible melodies and the highly exploratory work of this extraordinary band. Parker provides the root bass, and drummer Gerald Cleaver (who has worked extensively with Matthew Shipp, Roscoe Mitchell, Joe Morris, and Mat Maneri) brings his supremely sensitive musicality and Detroit-bred funk. Keyboardist and fellow Detroit native Craig Taborn (whose collaborative pedigree spans Tim Berne, James Carter, Carl Craig, Roscoe Mitchell, Chris Potter, Susie Ibarra, and Meat Beat Manifesto) is likewise endlessly inventive within this tremendously rewarding sonic ecosystem. We are well proud to present our first album featuring Rob Brown as leader."-Aum Fidelity