Baron Browne was an American bass guitarist.

Career

Born and raised in

Georgia Georgia most commonly refers to: * Georgia (country), a country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia * Georgia (U.S. state), a state in the Southeast United States Georgia may also refer to: Places Historical states and entities * Related to the ...

, USA, Baron Browne gravitated to music at a very early age, learning to play his uncle's drumset at 7 years old. As a teenager he dabbled in piano lessons and at age 12 played guitar for a year before realizing that

bass guitar The bass guitar, electric bass or simply bass (), is the lowest-pitched member of the string family. It is a plucked string instrument similar in appearance and construction to an electric or an acoustic guitar, but with a longer neck and ...

was to be his instrument. At age 18, Baron was launched into the professional music scene right out of high school, moving to Boston and studying at the

Berklee College of Music Berklee College of Music is a private music college in Boston, Massachusetts. It is the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world. Known for the study of jazz and modern American music, it also offers college-level cours ...

. After studying at the prestigious school for a year, he began working full-time in Boston with artists such as

Kevin Eubanks Kevin Tyrone Eubanks (born November 15, 1957) is an American jazz and fusion guitarist and composer. He was the leader of The Tonight Show Band with host Jay Leno from 1995 to 2010. He also led the Primetime Band on the short lived ''The Jay Le ...

Tiger Okoshi Toru "Tiger" Okoshi (born March 21, 1950) is an American jazz fusion trumpeter born in Ashiya, Japan. After studying at Kwansei Gakuin University, Okoshi moved to the U.S. in 1972. In 1975 he completed studies at the Berklee College of Music. ...

Mike Stern Mike Stern (born January 10, 1953) is an American jazz guitarist. After playing with Blood, Sweat & Tears, he worked with drummer Billy Cobham, then with trumpeter Miles Davis from 1981 to 1983 and again in 1985. He then began a solo career, re ...

Bill Frisell William Richard Frisell (born March 18, 1951) is an American jazz guitarist, composer and arranger. Frisell first came to prominence at ECM Records in the 1980s, as both a session player and a leader. He went on to work in a variety of contexts ...

and

Dean Brown Dean may refer to: People * Dean (given name) * Dean (surname), a surname of Anglo-Saxon English origin * Dean (South Korean singer), a stage name for singer Kwon Hyuk * Dean Delannoit, a Belgian singer most known by the mononym Dean Titles * ...

. In 1983, Baron received a call from jazz-fusion violinist

Jean-Luc Ponty Jean-Luc Ponty (born 29 September 1942) is a French jazz violinist and composer. Early life Ponty was born into a family of classical musicians in Avranches, France. His father taught violin, his mother taught piano. At sixteen, he was admitt ...

. After touring for three years and recording three albums with Ponty,

Billy Cobham William Emanuel Cobham Jr. (born May 16, 1944) is a Panamanian Americans, Panamanian–American jazz drummer who came to prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s with trumpeter Miles Davis and then with the Mahavishnu Orchestra. He was indu ...

came calling. Baron traveled extensively throughout Europe and the U.S. with the legendary drummer. After three years and two albums with Cobham, Baron returned to the Ponty band for more work. In 1992, Baron joined the group

Steps Ahead Steps Ahead is an American jazz fusion group. History The group arose out of spontaneous sessions at Seventh Avenue South, a jazz club in New York City owned by saxophonist Michael Brecker and trumpeter brother Randy Brecker. The first three al ...

featuring

Mike Mainieri Michael T. Mainieri Jr. (born July 4, 1938) is an American vibraphonist, known for his work with the jazz fusion group Steps Ahead. He is married to the singer-songwriter and harpist Dee Carstensen. Biography Mainieri was born in The Bronx, Ne ...

and ''

Saturday Night Live ''Saturday Night Live'' (often abbreviated to ''SNL'') is an American late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels and developed by Dick Ebersol that airs on NBC and Peacock. Michaels currently serves a ...

'' saxophonist Alex Foster. One year later he was invited by renowned jazz vibraphonist

Gary Burton Gary Burton (born January 23, 1943) is an American jazz vibraphonist, composer, and educator. Burton developed a pianistic style of four-mallet technique as an alternative to the prevailing two-mallet technique. This approach caused him to be he ...

to join him for tours of Japan, Europe and the US. Baron's versatility with playing all styles of music allowed him to also perform with R&B and Pop artists such as

Brian McKnight Brian Kelly McKnight (born June 5, 1969) is an American singer, songwriter, actor, record producer, radio host and multi-instrumentalist. He is most recognized for his strong head voice, high belting range and melisma. McKnight is known for h ...

, Tom Jones and

Exposé Expose, exposé, or exposed may refer to: News sources * Exposé (journalism), a form of investigative journalism * '' The Exposé'', a British conspiracist website Film and TV Film * ''Exposé'' (film), a 1976 thriller film * ''Exposed'' (1932 ...

. In 1996, Ponty called on Baron once again to record his first live album in over 20 years (''Live at Chene Park''). The album received rave reviews from jazz critics. In 1997 Baron's talents were secured by renowned

Journey Journey or journeying may refer to: * Travel, the movement of people between distant geographical locations ** Day's journey, a measurement of distance ** Road trip, a long-distance journey on the road Animals * Journey (horse), a thoroughbred ra ...

drummer

Steve Smith Stephen, Steve, Stevie, or Steven Smith may refer to: Academics * Steve Smith (political scientist) (born 1952), British international relations theorist and senior university manager * Stephen Smith (journalist) (born 1956), American journalist, ...

for a European tour with his group

Vital Information Steve Smith and Vital Information is an American jazz fusion group led by drummer Steve Smith. The first line-up of Vital Information — Steve Smith (drums), Tim Landers (bass), and Dave Wilczewski (sax) — met in 1971 during their high scho ...

. The bassist has made several television appearances, including ''

The Pat Sajak Show ''The Pat Sajak Show'' was an American late-night television talk show that aired on CBS from January 9, 1989, to April 13, 1990. Cast The show was hosted by Pat Sajak, best known as host of the game show '' Wheel of Fortune''. To do the talk sh ...

'' on

CBS CBS Broadcasting Inc., commonly shortened to CBS, the abbreviation of its former legal name Columbia Broadcasting System, is an American commercial broadcast television and radio network serving as the flagship property of the CBS Entertainm ...

and ''

Ohne Filter ''Ohne Filter'' was a 45-minute live television program by German public TV station SWF featuring international pop and rock groups. In contrast to ''Rockpalast'' ( WDR), which was broadcast from larger venues such as the Grugahalle, ''Ohne Fi ...

'' in Germany. Baron can be heard on many albums by jazz recording artist

Walter Beasley Walter Beasley is an American saxophonist, a professor of music at the Berklee College of Music, and founder of Affable Publishing and Affable Records. Biography Beasley grew up in El Centro, California. By the age of 13 he was singing in Span ...

. Walter's album ''For Your Pleasure'' reached the number one spot on the ''

Billboard A billboard (also called a hoarding in the UK and many other parts of the world) is a large outdoor advertising structure (a billing board), typically found in high-traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertise ...

'' magazine contemporary jazz chart. Because of Baron's musical experience, Walter also made Baron musical director of his touring band. In 1999 Baron went on an extensive tour of Europe, the U.S., Australia and New Zealand with

to help promote their CD entitled ''Where We Come From''. A double live CD called ''Live Around The World'' documenting the band on that tour was released in 2000. In the year 2002 Baron continued to tour with

to promote the CD ''Show ‘Em Where You Live''. He was also included in the writing and producing of this album. While working with

also used Baron for his

Buddy Rich Bernard "Buddy" Rich (September 30, 1917 – April 2, 1987) was an American jazz drummer, songwriter, conductor, and bandleader. He is considered one of the most influential drummers of all time. Rich was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York ...

tribute band Buddy's Buddies with

Mark Soskin Mark Samuel Soskin (born 1953) is an American jazz pianist based in New York City. Discography As leader * ''Rhythm Vision,'' Prestige (1980); * ''Overjoyed,'' Jazz City (1991); * ''Views From Here,'' King (1992); * ''Calypso & Jazz Arou ...

and Buddy Rich alumni

Steve Marcus Steve Marcus (September 18, 1939 – September 25, 2005) was an American jazz saxophonist. Biography Marcus was born in The Bronx, New York, United States. He studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, between 1959 and 19 ...

and Andy Fusco. They have released two live recordings showcasing that lineup, ''Very Live At Ronnie Scott's Set Number One'' and ''Very Live At Ronnie Scott's Set Number Two''. As of 2004, Baron continues to write and perform with

as a full-fledged member. Their latest release ''Come On In'' received rave reviews from jazz critics around the world. Baron has continued to play a role in the music industry. He has expanded his range to include producing and arranging for other artists as well as his own projects. Baron has also toured and performed with

Angela Bofill Angela Tomasa Bofill (born May 2, 1954) is an American singer-songwriter of Cuban- Puerto Rican origins. A New York native, Bofill began her professional career in the mid-1970s. Bofill is most known for singles such as, "This Time I'll Be Sweete ...

Stanley Clarke Stanley Clarke (born June 30, 1951) is an American bassist, film composer and founding member of Return to Forever, one of the first jazz fusion bands. Clarke gave the bass guitar a prominence it lacked in jazz-related music. He is the first jaz ...

, Tom Browne,

Lonnie Liston Smith Lonnie Liston Smith Jr. (born December 28, 1940) is an American jazz, soul, and funk musician who played with such jazz artists as Pharoah Sanders and Miles Davis before forming Lonnie Liston Smith and the Cosmic Echoes, recording a number of ...

Noel Pointer Noel Pointer (December 26, 1954 – December 19, 1994) was an American jazz violinist and record producer, whose life inspired a music foundation. Career Pointer made his solo debut at the age of 13, performing Vivaldi with the Symphony of the N ...

Freddie Hubbard Frederick Dewayne Hubbard (April 7, 1938 – December 29, 2008) was an American jazz trumpeter. He played bebop, hard bop, and post-bop styles from the early 1960s onwards. His unmistakable and influential tone contributed to new perspectives fo ...

Kenny G Kenneth Bruce Gorelick (born June 5, 1956), known professionally as Kenny G, is an American smooth jazz saxophonist, composer, and producer. His 1986 album ''Duotones'' brought him commercial success. Kenny G is one of the best-selling artis ...

Dave Valentine David Donald Valentine (12 September 1926 – 14 August 1976) was a Scottish representative rugby union and Rugby League World Cup, World Cup winning rugby league footballer, a List of dual-code rugby internationals, dual-code rugby internatio ...

Stanley Turrentine Stanley William Turrentine (April 5, 1934 – September 12, 2000) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist. He began his career playing R&B for Earl Bostic and later soul jazz recording for the Blue Note label from 1960, touched on jazz fusion dur ...

Larry Coryell Larry Coryell (born Lorenz Albert Van DeLinder III; April 2, 1943 – February 19, 2017) was an American jazz guitarist. Early life Larry Coryell was born in Galveston, Texas, United States. He never knew his biological father, a musician. He w ...

Randy Brecker Randal Edward Brecker (born November 27, 1945) is an American trumpeter, flugelhornist, and composer. His versatility has made him a popular studio musician who has recorded with acts in jazz, rock, and R&B. Early life Brecker was born on Nov ...

Al Di Meola Albert Laurence Di Meola (born July 22, 1954) is an American guitarist. Known for his works in jazz fusion and world music, he began his career as a guitarist of the group Return to Forever in 1974. Between the 1970s and 1980s, albums such as ' ...

, Tom Jones,

, and

Aydın Esen Aydın Esen (born 1962) is a Turkish jazz musician who plays keyboards and electronics. Career The son of a trumpeter, Esen began music lessons at the age of five in Turkey and attended a music conservatory, continuing for 13 years. His background ...

, Tommy Campbell, Sa Davis and

Andrea Bocelli Andrea Bocelli (; born 22 September 1958) is an Italian tenor and multi-instrumentalist. He was born visually impaired, with congenital glaucoma, and at the age of 12, Bocelli became completely blind, following a brain hemorrhage resulting fro ...

. Browne died Sept. 2, 2021 aged 66.

Discography

* Tiger Okoshi, Muddcake (JVC) * Frank Quintero, Frank Quintero (CBS Venezuela) * Kevin Eubanks, Sundance (GRP) * Jean-Luc Ponty, Fables (Atlantic) * Jean-Luc Ponty, The Gift of Time (Atlantic) * Jean-Luc Ponty, Storytelling (Atlantic) * Jean-Luc Ponty, Live at Chene Park (Atlantic) * Billy Cobham, Warning (GRP) * Billy Cobham, Power Play (GRP) * Mark O'Conner, Heroes (CBS) * Walter Beasley, Tonight We Love (Shenachie) (also listed as Arranger) * Walter Beasley, For Your Pleasure (Shenachie) (also listed as Producer) * Gabriela Anders, Wanting (CBS) * Walter Beasley, Won't You Let Me Love You (Shenachie) * Walter Beasley, Rendezvous (Shenachie) (also listed as Producer) * Walter Beasley, Go With The Flow (Shenachie) * Vital Information, Live Around The World (Intuition) * Aydın Esen, Timescape (BMG) * Vital Information, Show ‘Em Where You Live (Tone Center) * Steve Smith and Buddy's Buddies, Very Live At Ronnie Scott's - Set One (Tone Center) * Steve Smith and Buddy's Buddies, Very Live At Ronnie Scott's - Set Two (Tone Center) * Steve Smith and Vital Information, Come On In (Tone Center) * Andrea Bocelli, Andrea (Sugar) * Mike Visconti, Take 3 * Mike Visconti, In Other Words * Mike Visconti, Boston Accent

References

External links

Baron Browne's Myspace pageSteve Smith & Vital Information Web Sites
{{DEFAULTSORT:Browne, Baron Living people American jazz bass guitarists American male bass guitarists Year of birth missing (living people) American male jazz musicians Vital Information members