Norman Brown - Celebration (1999)

An obvious admirer of George Benson, guitarist Norman Brown is a skilled performer who is probably playing a notch or two below his abilities in order to win broader acceptance as a smooth-jazz artist. Still, he injects enough individuality and fret-board flair into this 53-minute, music-for-your-moods package to distinguish himself as an inventive player who can add some soulful panache to the format. Brown's selections (9 of the 11 are originals) are pleasantly engaging, with roughly half of them targeted at the patio, the others designed for the bedroom. Three tracks, one a languid remake of "You Make Me Feel Brand New," include vocals, yet Brown is more memorable as a guitarist. His nimble technique is showcased most convincingly on the breezy title track, the opening "Out'a Nowhere"; the thoughtful Jaco Pastorius piece "Rain"; and a very Benson-like "Getting By." Anyone searching for a light-jazz album that can nicely complement an easy afternoon or sultry sunset should give this disk some consideration. --Terry Wood