This
Charles Brown session from early 1992 finds the singer sounding just as natural as he did in the early '50s.
Blues and Other Love Songs was originally released on Muse records and is available as a budget title from the excellent reissue label 32 Jazz.
Brown is in a typically soulful mood, crooning like a gritty modern day Nat "King" Cole. Backing up the piano and vocals of
Brown are soul-groove saxophonist
Houston Person, whose smokey tenor chops were an excellent match for
Brown's blues.
Danny Caron on guitar,
Ruth Davies on bass, and
Gaylord Birch round out the rhythm section. These ten tracks consist of five originals and five covers featuring a brief version of
Thelonious Monk's "Round Midnight," showing off
Brown's ability to play straight jazz. Person is also heard with
Brown on the 32 jazz reissue Lost and Found, which combines the albums Sweet Slumber and Wildflower on one disc. ~ Al Campbell