Along with our friends at Woodward Avenue Records, we are excited to announce the release of double Grammy winner Paul Brown‘s new album, Ones Upon A Time, as well as the project’s first single, “Notorious”! Ones Upon A Time will be available worldwide on Friday, August 14.

Over the years since Paul Brown became one of contemporary urban jazz’s premiere hit makers as a producer and artist, it’s become harder to keep track of how many Billboard #1 smashes he has amassed since breaking through producing Boney James in the early 90s. Is it 60? 70? 75? The two-time Grammy winner makes it slightly (and soulfully, seductively and delightfully easier by gathering a batch of his favorite chart-toppers produced for himself and other artists (Boney, Bob James, Larry Carlton, Kirk Whalum, George Benson) and re-imagining them for his cleverly titled upcoming collection “Ones Upon a Time” – his tenth album as a solo artist.

If the sensual atmospheres and deeply inviting, seductive groove at the start of the set’s lead single “Notorious” sound familiar, it’s because it was not only a smash for Rick Braun 23 years ago (from his 1997 album Body and Soul), but has been a staple at hundreds of the trumpet great’s live shows during that time. And for good reason. In its initial iteration, it offered the perfect combination of sexy and invigorating, a showcase of Braun’s bright and sultry energy, combined with Boney’s sweet coolness. Brown’s new twist, where he carries the moody, slow burning melody on his 1963 Gibson Johnny Smith L5 guitar, takes the song multiple shades deeper both tonally and emotionally than the original version, arriving at a perfect blend of urban jazz and blues.

After building momentum over a simmering, funky groove by bassist Roberto Vally and drummer Gorden Campbell, Brown is joined by the steamy, edgy sax of Richard Elliot. Brown had seen Elliot play the Boney part numerous times live with Braun, and knew he was the perfect foil for this slower burning version. Not surprisingly, considering their decades long friendship and working relationship, the two work a symbiotic magic (with Elliot harmonizing off the guitarist’s steady flow) on their way to the glorious hook, It’s one that smooth jazz fans have heard a million times, yet it sounds completely fresh with this new rendering, which also features Lenny Castro on percussion and a shimmering key solo by Gregg Karukas. If you’ve been a fan of Brown’s productions and heart-tugging melodic guitar vibe over the years, “Notorious” will allow you to experience his vast artistry from an exciting new perspective. Once you hear it, it’s likely that you, like me, will be chomping at the bit for the release of the entire album.

– Jonathan Widran