Kris Brownlee...A Soundscape to Twilight

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/

The Mighty Panther

art by Jim Gary Phillips

On our return from vacation in Lafollette Tennessee on April 28, Sherry and I stopped, as we usually do, at the Kentucky Artisan Center in Berea Kentucky. While enjoying lunch there, I noticed a painting on the wall beside our table. I was quite amused. The intensity of color grabbed my attention. But also, there was this story being told in this painting.

“Nature to nature, down by the lake, the mighty panther and the dreadful snake.”

Obviously, the story is about the panther in battle with the snake. But they look as if they are in play. It looks lighthearted, as if they are just friends horsing around. It tickled me.

I mentioned my amusement to Sherry. She liked it also.

Having left the Center, I then forgot all about the painting. Until yesterday when Sherry presented it to me as a birthday gift. I was once again amused.

It now hangs on the wall in my office at the church. It serves as a muse to inspire sermon I suppose.

Sherry is great about paying attention and then delivering as gift those things mentioned.

I once mentioned a ring at Snyder’s Jewelry store in Goshen…received it for my birthday.

I mentioned a desire for a “Mickey Mouse” watch. Got one for Christmas.

She gives me biographies about Winston Churchill.

When I turned 60, she arranged for me to have a boat ride on the Dixie Sternwheeler, which is a paddle boat on Webster Lake in North Webster, Indiana.

She arranged for me to receive an autographed photo of Jimmy Carter.

When I mentioned my appreciation for Movado watches…I received one.

And now this painting!

I keep mentioning how much I like the Lincoln Continental, and that it is back in production. I shall keep my eyes open!

Thank you, Sherry for enriching my life with these gifts, and your attention.

I love you!

You can find out more about the artist Jim Gary Phillips at:

http://www.amerifolk.com/artists/jim-gary-phillips/