Jazz musician and trumpet great, Clifford Brown, was indeed a tremendous addition to the jazz scene in the late 1940s and and 50s. He played a large role in the bebop era and was an great influence to all the other musicians around him. Due to his abbreviated time with us on the jazz scene, it is our intention to give you a little information on “Brownie” (as he is often referred to) and remind you that despite having a career lasting only about 7 years, his contributions are not to be forgotten.

Short Biography:

Clifford “Brownie” Brown was born in Wilmington, Deleware on October 30th, 1930. Having been given a trumpet by his father around the age of 14, he began playing in the school band and grew quite fond of the instrument and music in general. During his high school years, he was largely influenced by jazz, introducing him to new jazz chord changes and, of course, improvisation. It would be the path toward success, and with the help of jazz enthusiast Robert Lowery, Brownie was introduced into the jazz scene from a very early age.

His mind on attending college, he obtained a music scholarship at the University of Deleware and began attending. The only real problem he had was that the school did not actually have a music department or program. Spending his freshman year studying mathematics, he also turned toward the jazz scene to keep up his chops and give him some of the greatest musical experiences he would have.

When time permitted, he was playing gigs in Philadelphia alongside some prominent names like Kenny Dorham, Max Roach, J.J. Johnson, and Fats Navarro. Navarro was probably Brown’s biggest influence and gave him considerable inspiration and encouragement during some of his earliest appearances. This was further emphasized by Navarro’s liking of the young Brown, who was tremendously impressed not only with his acquired talents, but also his overall natural abilities when it came to musicianship.

While getting his foot in the door with some of the greats and getting experience that would fuel his career, 1949 brought another opportunity for college – this time at Maryland State. Unlike his experience in Deleware, this school did have a music department and it had a great reputation. They also had a 16-piece band, and this combined with his playing in Philadelphia, would make him a good overall musician and well-respected trumpet player.

There were a few setbacks on his path toward the spotlight, and after being involved in a couple automobile accidents, he had to consider what he should be doing. There were rumors that his accidents could have been attribute to his short bout with heroin; however this has not been substantiated. He turned to a great inspriration at the time, Dizzy Gilespie, who helped him find his way back to the scene and continue on his journey.

He continued to play and was featured alongside names like Art Blakey, Lionel Hampton, and Sonny Rollins. At one time he even had his own group, before going over to join up with the Chris Powell combo. This would give him the greatest opportunities in his life, cutting records to touring all around the eastern part of the U.S. Finally, he decided to join up with Max Roach, and this brought about his move out to California.

Despite his booming career from 1953 and 1956, his run was cut short by another automobile accident. This one, unlike the others, would prove fatal, and just like that Brownie was taken from his family, friends, and the jazz scene.

His appearances and and live demos were numerous between the years of 1953 and 1956, some of which would be made into compilations and tribute albums in years to follow.

Listening Suggestions:

If you have not had the opportunity to hear some Clifford Brown, we would suggest you check out the following albums:

(4) The Definitive Clifford Brown (Mp3)

(1) The Best Of Clifford Brown-The Blue Note Years (CD)

(5) The Definitive Clifford Brown (Mp3)

(2) Clifford Brown & Max Roach (CD)

(6) The Blue Note And Pacific Jazz Recordings (Mp3)

(3) At Basin Street (CD)

They give tribute to his name and attest to the natural talent that was first given to the jazz scene during his lifetime and relived today.

[Sources: www.downbeat.com; Grove's Music Anthology]

Related Posts

1. Jazz Guitarists Paul Brown & Marc Antoine Release New Album: “Foreign Exchange”
2. Walt Disney Hall In Los Angeles Hosts Tribute To Bassist Ray Brown
3. Trumpeter Valery Ponomarev And Band “Our Father Who Art Blakey” To Fill In At Iridium Jazz Club: Mingus Big Band goes on tour
4. Catalina’s Presents Grammy-Nominated Trumpeter Christian Scott
5. Ten Greatest Jazz Saxophonists: ALL YOUR JAZZ Top Picks