“In gratitude, I humbly asked [God] to be given the means and privilege to make others happy through music… May He help and strengthen all men in every good endeavor.” – John Coltrane (A Love Supreme)
It is fitting that the press materials that accompany the release of The Kevin Brown Quintet’s Adventus open with a quote from John Coltrane who, after kicking drink and drugs, found a new path to enlightenment that is evidenced not only in one of his most famous compositions (and albums), “A Love Supreme,” but on subsequent releases including 1966’s Meditations.
“During the year 1957, I experienced, by the grace of God, a spiritual awakening which was to lead me to a richer, fuller, more productive life. At that time, in gratitude, I humbly asked to be given the means and privilege to make others happy through music” is a quote from Coltrane that appears in the liner notes for A Love Supreme (1965) and could just as easily apply to the music on Chicago jazz guitarist/quintet leader Kevin Brown’s Adventus, released recently via the imprint Jeru Jazz.
According to Brown, “The four weeks leading up to Christmas can sometimes be the busiest time of the year as people rush around preparing for the holidays, time off from school and work as well as the end of the year. But historically these four weeks, the season of Advent, have been a time for quiet reflection and preparation.”
He continues with “This collection of music seeks to recreate that space for reflection and preparation through revisiting specific historical music that has been traditionally used during the period of Advent. Through some study of Medieval music and participation in more liturgical traditions, I have come to appreciate the beauty of this historical music. Yet, at the same time, contemporary ears can’t help but hear and explore new ways of bringing the music to life.”
Adventus opens with “Phos Hilaron,” the Kevin Brown Quintet’s somber take on an ancient Christian hymn, and “O Come O Come Emmanuel,” the best-known selection on the album, arranged and played with enough swing to lighten up any holiday party.
Further along, “Of the Father’s Love Begotten,” translated from another historic hymn, shows Brown’s skill as a jazz guitarist while “Theme and Variations on ‘Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence'” showcases his dexterity as a solo classical guitarist. This is followed by the full quintet, Coltrane-inspired take on “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence,” a fresh perspective on an ancient Eucharistic devotional.
“Angels From the Realms of Glory,” a more traditional Christmas carol written by Scottish poet James Montgomery (1771-1854), is, perhaps the most accessible (and spirited) song on Adventus, while “The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came” was released as the album’s first single and has been getting some well-deserved airplay.
Adventus comes to a close with the jazz-funk of “Gaudete” (a real showcase for drummer Lucas Gillan), and it is hard to believe that the tune can be traced back to a 16th Century Latin carol as it sounds completely contemporary, and the quintet’s deeply moving take on “The King Shall Come,” yet another hymn that gets the electric jazz treatment and is driven by Matt Peterson’s inspired keyboard work.
The Kevin Brown Quintet will be celebrating the release of Adventus with two upcoming events. The official record release show will take place at the Church of the Resurrection’s St. Gregory Room in Wheaton, IL on Monday, Dec 15 ( https://realconcerts.us/ ) and will be followed by a performance at a new Chicago venue called The CheckOut on Thursday, Dec 18 as noted at https://dice.fm/event/q265go-kevin-brown-adventus-18th-dec-the-checkout-chicago-tickets
https://kevinbrownguitar.com/
