Record Reviews

CRAZY WORLD OF ARTHUR BROWN ~ ZIM ZAM ZIM BRONZE RAT 40 (Barcode: 8888480014616) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014 This is an album by veteran British singer / songwriter / bandleader Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist and his reinstated (some five decades after its initial formation) ensemble The Crazy World Of Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist. Brown´s partners in this new incarnation of the ensemble are bassist Jim MortimoreFind albums by this artist and drummer Samuel WalkerFind albums by this artist, both of which play a plethora of additional instruments. Twelve guest musicians also take part in the recording. The album presents ten original songs, all co-credited to the three members of the ensemble. The music is an eclectic collection of many influences including a strong Jazz-Rock presence and some Progressive Rock vistas, but overall all kept within the theatrical Rock, which has been Brown´s modus operandi for decades. For listeners who have followed Brown´s activities over the years, like yours truly, there are few musical surprises herein. What is surprising however is the great form of Brown´s voice and his vocal abilities, which lost nothing of their charm and attraction over time. His power of expression is completely intact and remains one of the most unique and idiosyncratic on the scene. Combined with the strong melodic drive of the songs and the interesting instrumentation, the album is a fascinating listening experience, albeit not for everybody. Overall this album proves that Brown is still a formidable performer and music maker, as always operating on the fringe of popular music. With his stamina and creative juices intact, he is contributing valuable music where generation of much younger people remain brain dead. Well done!

Updated: 28/07/2019Posted: 28/07/2019

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