Album Review: Death of Expertise from Bruce Brown

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Album:  Death of Expertise
Artist:  Bruce Brown
Label:  Self-Released
Website:  www.brucebrownmusic.com

Vocalist Bruce Brown taps into his prowess as a blues singer, delving into an repertoire heaped in swinging melodies and bossa nova serenades on his latest release Death of Expertise. The 14 song disc features Brown's casual swagger reminiscent of Tony Bennett's easy-going manner, accompanied by an ensemble of Australian and American musicians, whom he has played with for several years.  The effect is a symbiotic relationship between Brown's nuanced vocals and the glistening harmonies that nestle up against his smooth versing.

Glen Berger's rippling saxophone solo on "Love Always Wins" injects a burst of excitement into the leisurely flow of the melody as Brown's vocals exalt, "One thing's for sure / love will endure / love always wins / when we open our hearts / we always win."  Thrusting forward, the catchy swinging rhythm towing "To Find Things Out" along has a dancehall vibrancy that invites the audience into the joyful mood.  

"We Click" changes the direction of the recording into a fancyfree skipping that welcomes the frolicking tweets of Berger's  fluttering flute while the reflective mood encircling "Doreen" showcases Brown's smooth vocal resonance, enveloped in the warm textures of the serenade.  The gentle bossa nova shimmies strewn across "They're Everywhere" brings a touch of Latin romance into the release.

Tottering between being playful and reflective, Brown's recording captures the human condition.  The plushness of the instrumentation shealths his vocal nuances in warm textures.  The tenderness Brown applies to his versing is soothing on the listener's senses.  Together, the harmonious music with Brown's instinct for breezy cooing is a complementing combination.

Musicians:
Bruce Brown - vocals
John Harkins - piano
Brendan Clarke - bass
Andrew Dickeson - drums
Steve Brien - guitar
Steve Crum - trumpet
Glen Berger - saxophones and alto flutes



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