"There are only two rules in music, it must be beautiful and it must feel good!”
~ Dean Brown

 

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Dean Brown’s music defies boundaries combining Rock, Jazz, Funk, Latin and Fusion into a joyful, soulful, dynamic and intense groove. He is known in the global jazz/fusion scene for his virtuosic rhythm guitar work and his passionate melodic soloing. Those who have seen and heard him play are immediately pulled in by the energy he puts into each and every note.

 

A true force in the global jazz/fusion scene, Dean’s guitar work can be heard on hundreds of recordings, including four GRAMMY® Award-winners, a Latin GRAMMY winner, and numerous GRAMMY®-nominated works. For over 40 years, he toured, performed, and recorded with legendary artists such as Marcus Miller, David Sanborn, The Brecker Brothers, Billy Cobham, , Roberta Flack, Bob James, George Duke, Bill Evans, Victor Bailey, Joe Zawinul, Kirk Whalum, Walkaway, and Vital Information, among many others. In addition to his prolific session work, Dean toured internationally with his own formidable bands and produced and released five solo albums.

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Brown’s acclaimed solo albums feature his original compositions and an all-star lineup of musicians, reflecting the deep connections he built throughout his career:

 

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         HERE (2001) – Featuring Marcus Miller, David Sanborn, George Duke, Billy Cobham, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Bill Evans, Christian McBride, and more.​

 

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       GROOVE WARRIOR (2004) – With Lalah Hathaway, Marcus Miller, Bernard Wright, JuJu House, Poogie Bell, Schuyler Deale, Booker King, and Patches Stewart.

 

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​          DBIII (2009) – LIVE AT THE COTTON CLUB TOKYO  A high-energy power trio performance with Dennis Chambers and Will Lee.

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 ​    UNFINISHED BUSINESS (2012) –          Featuring Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Kirk Whalum, Dennis Chambers, Jimmy Earl, Gerry Etkins, Joey DeLeon, and Hadrien Feraud.

 

​             ROLAJAFUFU (2016) – A celebration of Rock, Latin, Jazz, Funk, and Fusion, featuring Dennis Chambers, George Whitty,   Bernard Maseli, Linley Marthe, Hadrien Feraud, Gerry Etkins,  Richie Flores, Brandon Fields, Daniel Sadownick, Marvin “Smitty” Smith, and Bobby Sparks.​

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As a composer and arranger,  his original compositions are featured on albums for Les McCann, Billy Cobham, Dennis Chambers, Ricky Peterson, Vital Information, Chris Minh Doky, and Bobby Sparks, among others.

 

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​​Passionate about education and a dedicated instructor and clinician, Dean conducted many masterclasses worldwide and taught his own popular courses at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California. 

His insights and expertise have been featured in numerous international publications, including Guitar Player (US), Guitar World (US), Gittare & Bass (Germany), Jazz Life (Japan), Big Box (Italy), Muzikus (Czech Republic), and Guitarist (France).

Dean Brown's extensive video Masterclass educational series is available through My Music Masterclass.  He also released the instructional/live video Modern Techniques for the Electric Guitarist (2008) with Hal Leonard and a comprehensive video Rhythm Series available at Truefire Studios.​

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His performances included the most prestigious international music festivals across the U.S., Europe, Asia, Canada, South America, and Africa, including Montreux Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz, Nice, Tokyo, Beijing, Montreal, Berks Jazz, Senegal, Canary Islands, Java Jazz, Malta, Warsaw, and Pori Jazz Festivals.  Brown also appeared with lead artists on major TV network programs, such as After New Year’s Eve with David Sanborn, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Fourth of July with Roberta Flack and The Boston Pops Orchestra, The Arsenio Hall Show, BET with George Duke, Bravo, PBS, and numerous international TV and radio shows. Dean’s live energy is also captured in DVD productions alongside Marcus Miller, Billy Cobham, Bob James, Steve Smith, The Louie Bellson Big Band, The Gil Evans Big Band, and David Sanborn and Friends.  

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​​​​​​Brown proudly endorsed DV Mark Amplifiers and products, Xotic Guitars and Effects, TC Electronic effects, BJ Press Effects, Fender Guitars, DR Strings, D'orazio Strings, Paco Cases, Moody Guitar Straps, Anthology Gear Wear, and G7th Capos.

 

 

​Dean’s musical journey began early, he was performing professionally and leading his own groups by the age of 15. While continuing to lead bands, he studied music for a year at George Washington University before transferring to Berklee College of Music, where he earned a Bachelor of Music in Composition. During his time in Boston, he also studied improvisation with the legendary Charles Banacos.

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​Beyond the music, Dean and Ruth shared a deeply devoted, loving marriage that spanned over forty beautiful years.

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 His legacy continues to inspire musicians, students, and audiences worldwide.

 

 

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​​​“Righteous rhythm work and absolutely burning solos...jazz that really rocks”

        ~Guitar Player Magazine

 

 

“I found guitarist Dean Brown to play behind me. He’s a genius.”

      ~Roberta Flack - JazzWax.com

 

 

“About twenty years have gone by and Dean's still bringing it onstage - he's that into it and obviously, that committed to every measure of the music...”

      ~AllAboutJazz.com

 

 

“Rockish, bluesy, jazzy, funky all rolled up into one...”

      ~ContemporaryJazz.com

 

 

“He delivers music with punch, energy, and integrity...”

      ~Guitar Nine Records

 

 

"A thrilling album!"

       ~Good Times