An evening with Jazz trumpeter/composer, Brownman.
Last week was the TD Toronto Jazz Festival and my friend and fellow photographer, TJ, offered me to join him on one of his passion projects and spend an evening documenting Brownman’s gigs. Taking photos? Live music? Umm..COUNT ME IN!
For those who aren’t familiar with Brownman, don’t worry, I’ll be the first to admit I like Jazz, however I know absolutely nothing about it. Being a lover of music I’ve always been a fan of anything good, and although I have peculiar tastes in music (i.e. I listen to Svensk hip hop but don’t understand a word of it) it’s a very broad spectrum of sounds you’ll find covered on my playlists. He’s a Trinidad born, NYC schooled under Randy Brecker, and if you ever listened to any of GURU’s (of Gangstarr. RIP) Jazzmatazz albums Brownman was the featured soloist with the legendary New York City jazz-hip-hop artist Guru (of Gangstarr fame) that replaced Donald Byrd in that group. In other words, he’s incredibly talented, but I’ll let you listen to this track and judge for yourself.
Our first of two stops was to Nathan Phillips Square where Brownman performed alongside Chelsea McBride’s Socialist Night School (Big Band) for a free open air performance.
And since Brownman is such a popular guy we headed out from City Hall and hopped into a cab where the 3 of us headed up to Dundas St. West to a venue called MAY. to perform with Nick Maclean’s band, SNAGGLE.
All in all I had an amazing night surrounded by talented people and some amazing music and it’s certainly a night I won’t forget any time soon, especially since I’ve got the photos. ;)
Many thanks to TJ for dragging me out, thanks to Chelsea McBride and the Socialist Night School and Snaggle for letting us document their sets, and a secial thanks to Brownman who gave TJ the opportunity to do his thing and bring me along for the adventures.
Leave a Comment