George Brown has today posthumously released his latest album titled ‘Jazz In Paris’ via Astana Music Inc/BFD/The Orchard. George “Funky” Brown, the divine one who put the beat behind all that was Kool and The Gang, and absolute pioneer of everything for not only an entire genre, but an entire decade, reaches out for possibly one last time with his new album.
A suave mix of retro meets metro, with a set of songs designed for the cool kids, ‘Jazz In Paris’ reminds me of that old argument people make regarding the Bible vs science. What I mean by this is, if you put ‘Jazz In Paris’ vs Kool and The Gang in that same argument, you get the same answer: One tells you how, the other tells you why.
Enough said. Take a listen. Make your own call.
About ‘Jazz In Paris’
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 passion for jazz while showcasing his extraordinary range as an artist.
Meticulously crafted, Jazz in Paris blends the timeless elegance of classic jazz with Brown’s signature touch, reflecting his lifelong dedication to the universal language of music. Produced by Brown, co-produced by Curtis F. Williams (Kool & The Gang Musical Director) and the late Wolfgang Amadeus Aichholz, with Claude Ismael as Executive Producer, the album captures Brown’s reverence for jazz while incorporating contemporary influences he gathered throughout his six-decade 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. Countless nights were spent in the studio, crafting the music that usually came to Brown in his dreams or dream-like states in the early morning. Following Brown’s passing, acclaimed drummer Vinnie Colaiuta stepped in to finalize several key tracks.
Curtis F. Williams reflects on the album and the process of completing it:
“George’s spirit is woven into every note of this record. Those of us who were closest to him could feel his presence guiding us in the studio—it was as if he was still there, speaking through the music. Every track touches a nerve because it’s so deeply personal and true to who he was. Jazz in Paris isn’t just a record; it’s an intimate window into George’s creative world, and we’re honored to help share that with the world.”
A central influence on Jazz in Paris is the groundbreaking work of Miles Davis. Inspired by Davis’ boundary-pushing brilliance, Brown infused the album with textures reminiscent of the First and Second Great Quintets. On tracks like “Lisa” and “MDD” (short for Miles Dewey Davis), Brown channels the depth and sophistication of classic jazz standards, while his broader range shines through funk-infused standouts like “Addicted to the Hustle” and the bluesy “Daddy Jazzbow.”
The album concludes with “In the Land of Allah – In the Land of God,” a deeply personal track dedicated to Brown’s lifelong friend and Kool & The Gang co-founder, Khalis Bayyan (born Ronald Bell). The expansive nine-and-a-half-minute piece features Brown performing drums, bass, percussion, keyboards, piano, and vocals, alongside contributions from Turkish Sufi musician Omar Faruk Tekbilek on trumpet, percussion, and vocals. This poignant closing moment encapsulates a life shaped by music and guided by a profound spirituality — one that transcended religion, faith, creed, color, and belief.
Throughout his remarkable career, George Brown toured extensively across Europe with Kool & The Gang, earning a dedicated following in Paris. Their concerts, especially at the iconic Olympia Theatre, were met with overwhelming love from French audiences. Brown’s connection to the city extended well beyond the stage—his frequent visits to Paris served as a wellspring of creative inspiration. Jazz in Paris stands as both a love letter to the city and a heartfelt homage to the jazz legends who first stirred his imagination.
To honor the album’s release, The George Brown Ensemble comes together for a special night of music at The Sun Rose in Los Angeles on April 24. Featuring some of George’s closest friends and collaborators—Louis Van Taylor, Curtis Williams, Stu Pearlman, Andrea Lisa, Ian Martin, Mike Condone, Katja Koren, Lyndon Rochelle, and Mykail McDade—the ensemble performs Jazz in Paris in its entirety across two shows, at 7:30 PM and 10:30 PM. Each set includes a special opening performance by George’s son, vocalist and pianist Aaron Brown, making it a true family affair.
About George Brown
George Brown was a pioneering musician and a founding member of the legendary group Kool and The Gang. With a career spanning decades, George left an indelible mark on the music industry with his unparalleled talent and groundbreaking contributions. Through his music, he continues to inspire and uplift audiences worldwide, ensuring that his legacy lives on for generations to come.
Even up until his passing, Brown’s remarkable contributions persisted, including the production of Kool & The Gang’s 2023 album, ‘People Just Wanna Have Fun,’ and the release of his memoir, Too Hot: Kool & The Gang & Me. Brown’s first solo album, ‘Where I’m Coming From,’ was released posthumously in September 2024, further showcasing his musical vision. These efforts further solidified Kool & The Gang’s place in music history alongside their iconic hits like “Ladies Night,” “Celebration,” and “Jungle Boogie.”
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.
