Just Chillin’ – leaving the best until last
With an intro that reminds me of film noir, Paul Brown‘s latest offering – Just Chillin’ – pounces into life with a startling chord that slides away to reveal a gently weaving and playful number.
Brown’s guitar sets the scene – as you’d expect – and within moments Darren Rahn enters the frame with a sax played as if angels were whispering into the reed.
Less than half a minute in and Gorden Campbell makes his presence known as the cut finds its beat with help from bassist Roberto Vally who climbs in and out of the rhythm before settling down to provide the perfect punctuation to Brown and Rahn’s not-so-private téte-a-téte.
The conversation between guitar and sax is clear, they chat away on a perfect bed of bass, drums, Lenny Castro’s light touch on percussion and a subtle synth played by Gregg Karukas.
Both Brown and Rahn take flight here and there, but not by enough to take this splendid track away from its gentle and easy-going roots.
In what will be yet another hit from Brown’s 2020 album Ones Upon a Time, Just Chillin’ – originally recorded by fellow guitar great Norman Brown 20 years ago – is a true testament to the concept of saving the best for last.
Pictured above / Paul Brown.
…host of the Just Jazz radio show, writer, and occasional voice over artist.
