New England Conservatory-trained acoustic jazz pianist
Alex Brown crosses over into many forms of music on this, his debut album. Supported by mentor
Paquito d'Rivera (on the Paquito subsidiary of the Sunnyside label),
Brown weaves Latin jazz on occasion within a contemporary framework, reminiscent of his clear idol,
Chick Corea.
Brown is extremely talented, cramming many notes into each measure during the circular "Prologue" and the distinctly bouncy, quirky
Corea-like "Elektric." Brazilian choro, neo-bop, ballads, and even churning true montuno-flavored music are here in different formats from trio to sextet, at times showcasing
d'Rivera's alto sax, rising-star vibist
Warren Wolf, or Vivek Patel on flügelhorn.
Alex Brown's initial foray into the jazz world is an impressive one, with a high ceiling for things to come. ~ Michael G. Nastos