Alan Brown’s name is entrenched in the New Zealand Jazz scene as not only an established Jazz keyboardist, but also from his highly successful Jazz-funk band in the 1990’s, Blue Train. While reputed for his keyboard and Hammond organ skills his recent work, following on from his past solo creations is titled Wind And Wire, an instrumental, atmospheric electronica based album offering up a brooding sonic soundscape.
The combination of piano, synth and low frequency sounds create a flow of rich warm textures and basey backdrops. Each of the tracks a relaxing listening experience of moody ambient audio.
As with previous albums, there is a chill, melodic tone to Wind And Wire. An enticing sea of calm punctuates whirling waves of synth and sound.
The title track Wind And Wire, is an eerie sounding track creating the perfect aural environment to lose yourself in. Track eight, Insufficient Data has an array of hypnotic and interesting sounds added, which adds a futuristic vibe thanks to a self-made sound machine.
Each of the ten tracks is superbly composed. Using iPads from design to end product (apart from a few exceptions) the final creation is a clean sumptuous sound.
Don headphones to truly absorb the twists and turns of sound on each track. The nuances which make this album pop with interest.
Close your eyes, lay back and appreciate what Wind And Wire has to offer.
Alan Brown is an established jazz keyboardist within New Zealand, from having led a highly successful jazz-funk band in the 90’s – Blue Train (1996 Jazz Album of the Year winner), through to becoming a core member of The Grand Central Band, and the Alan Brown Project, which performed regularly with singer Cherie Mathieson. He was a member of the Nathan Haines Dream band through 2010-14 and has been teaching at MAINZ (Music And Audio Institute of NZ) since 2002.
Alan also studied and taught at the New Zealand School of Music at Massey University, Albany, where he graduated with a Master of Music in 2014. He has taught at both NZSM and the Auckland University Jazz department and has been external examiner for many recitals.
Alan’s varied musical influences has spawned projects such as the Hammond Organ-based Alan Brown Trio, with two albums to their name; his own quartet which released Between The Spaces in 2011 as well as his ambient solo album Silent Observer, released in 2015 plus the follow-up Composure released Feb 2018.