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John Lee and Gerry Brown for J-R Fuse
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Mirakaze View Drop Down
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Eclectic, JRF/Canterbury, Avant/Zeuhl

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    Posted: June 16 2024 at 15:39
Originally posted by BrufordFreak BrufordFreak wrote:

Don't know if these artists (bass and drums, respectively) had ever been suggested (or reviewed) before but the duo from Philadelphia had a string of seven incredible J-R Fuse albums in the 1970s on their own after working on their chops with the likes of Joe Henderson, Max Roach, Lonnie Liston Smith, Norman Connors, McCoy Tyner, Larry Coryell, Chris Hinze, Toto Banke, Joachim Kühn, Jasper Van't Hof, Phillip Catherine, Eef Albers, including:

  • Infinite Jones - 1973 on Keytone Records
  • Bamboo Madness - 1973 on Limetree Records
  • Mango Sunrise - 1975 on Blue Note
  • Still Can't Say Enough - 1976 on Blue Note
  • Medusa - 1977 on Columbia
  • Chaser - 1978 on  Columbia
  • Brothers - 1980 on Mood Record

All these albums can be found on YouTube.



They've been cleared! Thumbs Up
Could you perhaps provide us with an original biography? The one posted by "Moyan" earlier appears to be AI-generated, which is something we'd rather avoid.
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siLLy puPPy View Drop Down
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Points: 15243 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote siLLy puPPy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 29 2024 at 23:40
^ Thanks for that all :)

I'll take them to the team.


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Points: 1219 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Moyan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 29 2024 at 22:55
Bassist John Lee, born in 1952 in Boston, and drummer Gerry Brown, born in 1951 in Philadelphia, were a prominent duo in the jazz scene of the 1970s. Lee initially performed in New York with notable artists like Joe Henderson, Pharoah Sanders, and the Max Roach Quartet before moving to Europe in 1972. It was there that he crossed paths with Gerry Brown, another expatriate musician. The two musicians began collaborating within Dutch flautist Chris Hinze’s fusion-oriented ensemble, The Chris Hinze Combination. 



By 1973, Lee and Brown had officially joined forces and released their debut album titled "Infinite Jones" in 1974 under the Keytone label (later reissued as "Bamboo Madness"). This progressive fusion album combines jazz elements with other musical styles, creating a unique and innovative sound that captivated audiences at the time of its release. The album features intricate compositions, virtuosic performances, and a blend of different influences that set it apart from other contemporary jazz releases. "Infinite Jones" received critical acclaim for its technical proficiency, creativity, and the chemistry between John Lee and Gerry Brown. The duo's ability to seamlessly blend various musical elements while maintaining a cohesive sound throughout the album is one of the key highlights of this project. 
The tracks on "Infinite Jones" showcase the duo’s versatility and mastery of their respective instruments. From complex rhythmic patterns to soulful melodies, each composition on the album offers a glimpse into the creative minds of John Lee and Gerry Brown. The interplay between bass and drums is particularly noteworthy, demonstrating their deep musical connection and mutual understanding. The album continues to be celebrated by jazz enthusiasts and critics alike for its timeless quality and enduring influence on contemporary music.

Upon returning to the United States in 1975, they were signed by the prestigious Blue Note label during a period of transition for the company. Their partnership led to multiple recordings and collaborations with renowned artists such as Larry Coryell, Earl & Carl Grubbs, Joachim Kuhn, Carlos Garnett, Alphonse Mouzon, Dizzy Gillespie, Stanley Clarke, Patrice Rushen, and Return to Forever. 

"Mango Sunrise" (Blue Note, 1975) received critical acclaim upon its release for its fresh approach to jazz fusion and its seamless integration of different musical styles. The album's compositions are characterised by their rich textures, intricate arrangements, and dynamic interplay between Lee and Brown. Upon its release, "Mango Sunrise" received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The album was praised for its innovative approach to fusion music and the exceptional musicianship displayed by John Lee and Gerry Brown. Over the years, "Mango Sunrise" has become a cult classic among jazz-fusion enthusiasts. The album continues to be celebrated for its forward-thinking sound and remains a testament to the creative partnership between John Lee and Gerry Brown.

The duo's third album, "Still Can't Say Enough," released in 1976 under Blue Note Records, showcased their exceptional fusion of jazz, rock, and funk. Produced by Skip Drinkwater, the album featured a stellar lineup of musicians, including Reggie Lucas and Ray Gomez on guitars; Hubert Eaves, Harold Ivory Williams IV, and Rob Franken on keyboards; Ian Underwood on synthesisers; Mtume on congas and percussion; as well as a horn section comprising Randy Brecker and Jon Faddis on trumpets; Michael Brecker and Ernie Watts on saxophones; David Sanborn and Gary Bartz on alto sax; Barry Rodgers on trombone; and Ron Cuber on baritone sax.

Under the moniker Medusa, the duo, accompanied by a bunch of additional musicians, released the same-titled album in 1977 on the Columbia label. This album features a fusion of jazz, funk, soul, and rock elements, creating an upbeat sound that captivated audiences during its release. John Lee's bass playing and Gerry Brown's drumming skills are prominently displayed throughout the album, highlighting their technical prowess and musical chemistry.

Following their collaboration on several albums and live performances throughout the late '70s and early '80s, John Lee joined McCoy Tyner's quartet in 1982 before becoming part of Dizzy Gillespie's ensemble until 1992. On the other hand, Gerry Brown ventured into pop music circles, touring with artists like Jeffrey Osborne, Chaka Kahn, and Lionel Richie, while notably being part of Stevie Wonder’s band for over a decade. Brown also engaged in film and TV projects alongside musicians like Stanley Clarke. 
John Lee and Gerry Brown parted ways in 1981 to pursue individual musical endeavors. Despite their separation as a duo after recording "Chaser" in 1979, which incorporated disco elements into their fusion style, both musicians continued to make significant contributions to the music industry through various collaborations and projects.
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siLLy puPPy View Drop Down
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Points: 15243 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote siLLy puPPy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 29 2024 at 19:27
Certainly a worthy suggestion as Infinite Jones is the right style of fusion to exist on PA.

To be considered we'd need a viable bio before evaluating.

We're just not equipped to do all the heavy hitting.

Also please provide an easy to reference sound sample in this thread.

Thanks :)



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yam yam View Drop Down
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Points: 6358 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote yam yam Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 28 2024 at 22:39
They've not been suggested here before as far as I can tell. Some albums by other collectives which these two guys were members of have been mentioned in passing as being worth a listen, but that's it.

They are included on JMA in the fusion sub genre, though there's just a single rating for the first (1974) album, and nothing for any of the rest, so it seems they aren't particularly well-known amongst the jazz community.
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Points: 8192 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote BrufordFreak Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 28 2024 at 17:20
Don't know if these artists (bass and drums, respectively) had ever been suggested (or reviewed) before but the duo from Philadelphia had a string of seven incredible J-R Fuse albums in the 1970s on their own after working on their chops with the likes of Joe Henderson, Max Roach, Lonnie Liston Smith, Norman Connors, McCoy Tyner, Larry Coryell, Chris Hinze, Toto Banke, Joachim Kühn, Jasper Van't Hof, Phillip Catherine, Eef Albers, including:

  • Infinite Jones - 1973 on Keytone Records
  • Bamboo Madness - 1973 on Limetree Records
  • Mango Sunrise - 1975 on Blue Note
  • Still Can't Say Enough - 1976 on Blue Note
  • Medusa - 1977 on Columbia
  • Chaser - 1978 on  Columbia
  • Brothers - 1980 on Mood Record

All these albums can be found on YouTube.
Drew Fisher
https://progisaliveandwell.blogspot.com/
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