Charles Brown - Groovy

Brown’s up-tempo and jump sides

The generous 30 tracks here are drawn from the Exclusive and Aladdin labels, covering Charles Brown’s three year 1945-48 period with Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers group, and his post-1948 solo material. 

Brown’s piano playing balanced well with Johnny Moore’s fine guitar, resulting in an interplay which is especially notable on on both Bobby Sox Blues and the easy up-tempo title track. The quality choice of songs and the group’s marked ability gave them a string of hits, but failed to keep Brown with them when Moore tried to get more income for himself (adding some depth to Money’s Getting Cheaper).

As a soloist, Brown was even more successful, cutting the bluesy Everybody’s Got Troubles and the heavy plodding My Heart Is Mended, while his laidback vocal delivery helped him maintain popularity. By 1956, he was experimenting with a heavier approach, with saxophone backing and more distinct drumming, resulting in the likes of It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie. Often cited, but less often heard, Brown’s work is well worth rediscovery.

4 stars 4 stars 4 stars 4 stars

Rev-Ola Bandstand | CR BAND 13

Reviewed by Kingsley Abbott
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