CD Review: Bruce Brown, "Death Of Expertise"

Vocalist/Songwriter Bruce Brown has recently released his new CD, "Death of Expertise" that contains 14 original songs. He wrote both the music and Lyrics.  To get right to the point,  Bruce Brown is "Hip" man!  I'm not sure that the word hip is still allowed to be used,  maybe it has been cancelled, but it's a perfect word to describe Bruce Brown's highly creative and clever writing.  Brown's songs have wonderful melodies,  but it's his lyrics that really hit home with the listener. 

Brown's compositions are full of wit, wisdom and incisive social commentary that reminds me of some of the writing that occurred in the 60's, 70"s and 80's.  Brown's fresh lyrical creativity is like a refreshing breeze coming through an open window.  His lyrics give clarity to issues of the day without hitting you with a hammer.  A much better and I, would guess,  a more effective way of sharing social commentary than what we have seen recently in our society.   Brown states, "Those ideas are always fleeting, like quick movements of a paintbrush,  so the goal is to capture them quickly.  Great lyrics have the capacity to get inside and tweak the heart".  Brown's melodies are beautiful and written with carefully observed lessons Brown has learned from the Songwriting greats of the past.

Bruce Brown's soft and sensitive voice will surprise you and bring the voice of Chet Baker to mind.  His voice is the perfect instrument to allow the listener to focus on the stories the lyrics are expressing.  His lyrics are sometimes funny, sometimes emotional but always thought-provoking.  

Bruce Brown has lived in New Zealand for over 20 years,  and he also lived in Los Angeles for a long period and the LA music scene influence shows and has influenced his writing. 

The sidemen Brown has chosen to support him on this CD are all highly established professionals, and they add immensely to the allover enjoyment of this CD.  I highly recommend this CD and especially to any lyricists and composers.  There is a lot that can be learned from listening closely to Bruce Brown's work.

I have attached two "YouTube" videos for you to listen to.  The first is the title track, "The Death of Expertise".  I think you will understand Brown's humorous look at where "Googling" has brought us and its unintended consequences.  The second attachment "Doreen" is funny, strange and sarcastic but at the same time, a poetic story about human nature.  

PLAYLIST:

1. Death of Expertise

2. They're Everywhere

3. Find Three Things to Be Grateful For

4. Love Makes Us Who We Are

5. A Mind Is a Terrible Thing

6. Back in the Day

7. Doreen

8. Love Always Wins

9. To Find Things Out

10. We Click

11. Losers Are People Too

12. Giving Up Is Not an Option

13. The Music Plays Again

PLAYERS:

Bruce Brown- Vocals, Compositions.   "Love Always Wins" Music & Lyric by Bruce Brown & Roger Frankham

John Harkins- Piano

Brendan Clarke- Bass

Andrew Dickeson- Drums

Steve Brien- Guitar

Steve Crum- Trumpet

Glen Berger- Saxes and Alto Flute 

                                                               "The Death of Expertise"

                                                                                "Doreen"