Kris Brownlee |
Though this review
focuses on Kris Brownlee’s performance at Ignition Music Garage in Goshen , I would like to
point out that he is a great talent developer as well. Previously Kris introduced
Elkhart to saxophonist Elizabeth Mis, and
tonight, at Ignition Music Garage, he introduced Goshen to the very entertaining Chloe Grace.
Her vocal qualities compare to any on the popular charts, even better. She
composes melodies that give her voice opportunity to dance around as if tickled
by the stories her poetry tells. She seemed pleased to have such a responsive
audience here in Goshen .
Chloe Grace and Kris Brownlee band |
Thank you Chloe
Grace for bringing your vocal grace for us to enjoy. And thank you Kris for
arranging it!
You can learn more about Chloe Grace on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/pg/ChloeGraceC/photos/?ref=page_internal
Yes, this review is
about Kris.
I first heard Kris
play at Elkhart Jazz festival. And then also at Fernwood Botanical Gardens
around the Niles Michigan area.
Every place I have heard him play was in the evening as the
sun was setting.
I describe his music as “soundscape to twilight”.
Tonight in Goshen we experienced cool
temperatures as a soft sun began to set. The light poured through windows into
the venue and seemed transformed into an ambiance that enabled a relaxation to
set in. Whatever distractions anybody entered with, they evaporated quickly as
Kris and his band begin to play.
They began by playing a cover of a Grover Washington tune
“Let It Flow”. I paid particular attention to the bassist, Jordan
Swartzendruber. Jordan ’s
musicianship reminded me of the funk sounds I heard during the 1970s.
A little later, as
Kris was introducing his own material, he described it as “funk/vibe”. I was
pleased to know that my description was “in the ballpark”.
Kris and his band, Jordan Swartzendruber on bass, Andrew
Hauser on drums, Jeff Keefer on Keyboard, and Paul Erdman on superb lead
guitar, play a smooth jazz that reaches to that place in the soul that enables
a joyous emotional response. Their music is neither a disturbing staccato nor a
pedestrian tranquilizer. This music awakens sensitivities without numbing them
like so many other loud, aggressive ego-centric artists I have heard.
Kris has a sense of humor. While introducing “Closer”, a slow
romantic number, he said “snuggle with the one you love, or the one you came
with…or just any random person!”.
Kris' mom and dad |
Kris’ mom and dad were in the room. I had opportunity to ask
them for a description of Kris’ music. His dad reported “he keeps workin’ it
until it is perfect”. Both parents seem quite very proud. Kris is proud of them
too. When I asked Kris to point me toward them, he said “my dad is the one with
the Vietnam Veteran hat!”
Folks…Kris’ music is as smooth and engaging as his
personality.
You should find opportunity to check out this jazz
experience.
If you have a musical itch, this band will scratch it.
You can find out more about Kris at:
https://www.krisbrownlee.com/