Leonard “Lowdown” Brown – Blues is Calling Me
Music Maker Fouondation LLC – 2023
10 tracks; 33 minutes
At nearly 70 years old, Leonard "Lowdown" Brown has finally gifted the blues world with his debut album, "Blues is Calling Me." Hailing from Arkansas and later making a name for himself in Houston, Brown has quietly earned his place on stage, opening for legends like Johnny Taylor, ZZ Hill, and Bobby Bland. Thanks to the support of the Music Maker's Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to supporting traditional
American music artists, Brown brings his soulful voice and effortless guitar style to the forefront in this long-awaited release.
The album kicks off with an invitation to the juke joint in the opening track, setting the stage for what's to come. Brown's voice, rich with emotion, immediately captures the listener's attention. Accompanied by a talented ensemble featuring Ardie Dean on drums and as a producer, "Microwave" Dave Galaher on guitar, Tony Grady on bass, and Dan Hochner on keys and bass, Brown creates a sonic landscape that pays homage to traditional blues roots.
In "Can't Buy Time," Brown showcases not only his vocal prowess but also ventures into scat-singing, adding a layer of playfulness to the track. The aptly titled "Blues Makes Me Feel Good" dispels the notion that blues brings only sorrow, highlighting the genre's ability to uplift and enhance mood. The standout track, "Let Me Live My Life," delivers an emotionally charged vocal performance, asserting Brown's unapologetic authenticity.
The title track, "Blues is Calling Me," reinforces Brown's destiny in playing the blues, and his profound connection to the genre shines through every note. Drawing from his gospel roots from singing in traveling choirs during his youth, Brown offers a unique arrangement of the classic gospel tune "You Gotta Move" as the poignant conclusion to the album.
"Blues is Calling Me" is a testament to Leonard "Lowdown" Brown's late but impactful entry into the recording scene. His soulful voice, paired with his understated yet masterful guitar playing, creates a captivating listening experience. There are no weak points in this album, and fans of traditional blues will undoubtedly find joy in discovering the talent of Leonard "Lowdown" Brown.
While the blues world may have been unaware of Leonard "Lowdown" Brown until now, "Blues is Calling Me" ensures that his presence will be felt and celebrated by aficionados of authentic blues music.
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