Norman Brown

Like George Benson, his primary musical influence, Norman Brown combines soul jazz, funk and modern R&B into one sleek package. But unlike many of his peers also reared on FM radio, Brown created later recordings (such as Just Chillin' (2002) and Celebration (1999)) that were leaner and earthier instead of sterile and produced. This knack for putting real muscle into a highly accessible sound makes Brown one of the more exciting smooth jazz stars currently on the scene.