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ALAN BROWN: Between The Spaces

Alan Brown is a well-established Auckland jazz pianist who has been on the scene for a number of years. From the successful jazz funk band Blue Train in the ‘90s, he went on to be a member of the excellent Grand Circle Band and now works alongside artists such as Nathan Haines and Caitlin Smith. Having seen Brown perform in all of these roles over the years (and someone who bought and still plays the Blue Train album that was voted Jazz Album of the Year in 1996), I was delighted when I got this latest recording. The album opener Standing Out featuring the fine playing of guitarist Andy Smith, is followed by the funky and joyous The Dancer & Chess. I could almost see Steely Dan performing this one. The gentle State Of Mind, with Haines guesting on soprano sax, is particularly lovely and Joyo Sawyer’s emotive bass gives this piece a real presence. The album tends to twist and turn from funk to rock, and then onto sweet mellow plaintive jazz melodies – but this is no criticism. ‘Between The Spaces’ is a really enjoyable album with more than enough to hold your attention.

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