George Brown, beloved co-founder of Kool & The Gang and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, will release his second posthumous project, ‘Jazz in Paris,’ on April 18 via Astana Music Inc/BFD/The Orchard. Inspired by the smoky jazz clubs of Paris and New York in the late 1950s and ‘60s—a sound that shaped Brown’s musical world from an early age—the album reflects his deep love for jazz while showcasing his musical versatility. The first single, “Lisa,” a sultry, classic jazz composition, is out now, featuring smooth instrumentation, brass accents, and a full-bodied walking bassline. On the track, Brown performs drums, vocals, percussion, and keyboards, highlighting his remarkable range as a multi-instrumentalist.
‘Jazz in Paris’ is a meticulously crafted body of work that blends the timeless elegance of classic jazz with George Brown’s signature touch, reflecting his lifelong dedication to the universal language of music. Produced by Brown, co-produced by Curtis F. Williams and Wolfgang Amadeus Aichholz, and with Claude Ismael as Executive Producer, the album captures Brown’s love for jazz while incorporating contemporary influences he gathered throughout his illustrious career. Recorded primarily during the pandemic at his Alley Kat Studio in Los Angeles, the album features collaborations with longtime musical allies, including Williams and Louis Van Taylor. After Brown’s passing, celebrated drummer Vinnie Colaiuta stepped in to finalize key tracks.
A central influence on ‘Jazz in Paris’ is the groundbreaking work of Miles Davis. Brown, inspired by Davis’ ability to push musical boundaries, infused the album with melodic and harmonic textures reminiscent of Davis’ First and Second Great Quintets of the 1950s and 1960s. This influence is especially evident on “Lisa,” a modal jazz composition featuring a straight 4/4 rhythm, muted trumpets, and a flurry of improvisation with interchangeable blues elements. Brown’s reverence for Davis is woven throughout the album, reflecting his commitment to honoring his jazz roots while offering his own modern interpretations.
Over his impressive sixty-year career, George Brown toured extensively across Europe with Kool & The Gang, becoming a highly celebrated act, particularly in Paris. Their festival performances and concerts were met with an outpouring of love from French audiences, most notably at the iconic Olympia Theatre. Brown’s deep connection to the city extended beyond the stage—frequent visits to Paris, both personal and professional, fueled his creative spirit and directly inspired the creation of ‘Jazz in Paris.’ The album serves as both a love letter to the city and a tribute to the jazz pioneers who first captured his imagination.
Reflecting on the project, Brown’s close collaborator Wolfgang Amadeus Aichholz shared, “This project was very close to his heart and a way to pay homage to the greats of the era. We spent countless nights in the studio crafting the music that often came to him in dreams. GB would always say that music is a universal language, and through our shared creativity, I truly came to understand that sentiment.”
Born and raised in Jersey City, N.J., George Brown’s musical journey began with childhood afternoons spent drumming on household objects. By high school, he was performing in jazz clubs six nights a week alongside future Kool & The Gang members, including Robert “Kool” Bell and Ronald Bell. Originally known as the Jazziacs, the band evolved into Kool & The Gang in 1969, blending jazz, funk, and soul into a groundbreaking sound that sold millions of records worldwide and earned them induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024. With ‘Jazz in Paris,’ Brown comes full circle—returning to his jazz roots while leaving behind a timeless tribute to the music that first inspired him.
‘Jazz in Paris’ Tracklist
Lisa
What I Love About You
Juliette
MDD
Francess
Daddy Jazz Bow
Addicted to the Hustle
West End Avenue
The Kat
Jardin De Lapin
In the Land of Allah – In the Land of God
George Brown passed away in 2023 at the age of 74, leaving behind a lasting legacy. He is survived by his wife, Hanh Brown, and five children.
