The funk-jazz guitarist's new two-album deal with Warner Bros. was definite cause for the title of his label debut, Celebration. His continued growth as a writer is clear, as the hooks of all nine originals stick immediately to the ears yet offer spaces for improvisations that sometimes border on his bebop days. "Together at Last" brings both worlds together, with Norman Brown building a strong melody by altering his Ibanez's high and low tones over a subtle, rising bed of horns before breaking for a crazy flurry of notes ...
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The funk-jazz guitarist's new two-album deal with Warner Bros. was definite cause for the title of his label debut, Celebration. His continued growth as a writer is clear, as the hooks of all nine originals stick immediately to the ears yet offer spaces for improvisations that sometimes border on his bebop days. "Together at Last" brings both worlds together, with Norman Brown building a strong melody by altering his Ibanez's high and low tones over a subtle, rising bed of horns before breaking for a crazy flurry of notes which jump beyond the melody. His cherished vocalese style marries perfectly with trademark warm, percolating string notes on "Out'a Nowhere," which also throws a tonal twist into the mix; he'll begin a melody line on a happy high register and then conclude it on a tone so low it sounds like a bass. One of the benefits of his crossover success is working with two of the best possible producers in smooth jazz and R&B: Paul Brown and Oji Pierce (Coolio, Montell Jordan). Paul Brown has had a tendency to make many of his cuts sound like Boney James' tunes, but on his five cuts here, he simply creates an atmosphere for Brown's own style and groove to come alive. His best contribution is the dreamy vibe behind the falling drops effect of the guitar on the ballad "Rain." The guitarist rises to Pierce's challenge to grow his lead vocal chops with a lush rendition of "You Make Me Feel Brand New" that rivals the Stylistics' original. Ironically, however, some of Celebration's best produced tracks are those Norman Brown did himself; on "Breaking Out," her surrounds his galloping guitar-voice tandem with the disc's most exotic percussion and soundscaping, including hypnotic drum and cymbal flourishes by Rayford Griffin. ~ Jonathan Widran, Rovi
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Add this copy of Celebration to cart. $2.50, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Diamond rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Carrollton, TX, UNITED STATES, published 1999 by Warner Bros UK.
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Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Celebration to cart. $3.39, good condition, Sold by Goodwill rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Brooklyn Park, MN, UNITED STATES, published 1999 by Warner Bros..
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Good. Disc(s) have been resurfaced using a professional-grade machine. Case shows moderate wear and tear. All items include the original case and artwork. All items ship Mon-Fri.
Add this copy of Celebration [Bonus Track] to cart. $3.49, good condition, Sold by Movie Surplus rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Mobile, AL, UNITED STATES, published 1999 by Warner Bros..
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Bell/Creed; Brown; Brown/Brown; Brown/Brown/Culbert; Morgan/Pastorius. Good. Used-Good Condition. Some signs of use, but nothing that should affect playback. Includes case and original artwork and liner notes when applicable.
Add this copy of Celebration to cart. $4.18, like new condition, Sold by THE MEDIA FOUNDATION INC rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from BEAVERTON, OR, UNITED STATES, published 1999 by Warner Bros UK.
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Fine. Disc, artwork and case in excellent condition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. Orders received before 3PM PT typically ship same day. All profits support the non-profit community. Free upgrade to First Class shipping.
Add this copy of Celebration to cart. $4.99, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Emerald rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Carrollton, TX, UNITED STATES, published 1999 by Warner Bros..
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Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Celebration to cart. $4.99, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Ruby rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Carrollton, TX, UNITED STATES, published 1999 by Warner Bros UK.
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Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Celebration to cart. $4.99, very good condition, Sold by Half Price Books Inc rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Carrollton, TX, UNITED STATES, published 1999 by Warner Bros UK.
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Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Celebration to cart. $5.18, like new condition, Sold by Streetlight_Records rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Santa Cruz, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1999 by Warner Bros UK.
Add this copy of Celebration to cart. $5.99, very good condition, Sold by Wonder Book - Member ABAA/ILAB rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Frederick, MD, UNITED STATES, published 1999 by Warner Bros..
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Very Good. Very Good condition. Audio CD. Case Very Good. Case contains cut-out. Quality guaranteed! In original artwork/packaging unless otherwise noted.
Add this copy of Celebration to cart. $8.00, very good condition, Sold by insomniacsonline rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from South Hackensack, NJ, UNITED STATES, published 1999 by Warner Bros UK.
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Very Good. Buy from insomniacs! We dont sleep until your order is shipped! Professional packaging, same day shipping on most orders. View our feedback and buy with confidence.
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