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Artist and Music News

Brian Simpson New Album Release “Something About You”

 July 17, 2018

By  ExoticDJ

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The chart-topping pianist, composer and producer continues to inspire and prove why he is the master of melody & groove on the new album out July 27th Something About You

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]”Over the years I continue to appreciate how music can inspire people through good and bad times, and I never take for granted the opportunity I have to play a small part in someone’s life,” confides chart-topping keyboardist, composer, prolific studio musician and producer Brian Simpson. A master at crafting unforgettable melodies and timeless anthems, Simpson’s soulful approach to the music has made him first call for many musicians across numerous genres. Brian Simpson’s Midas touch has been called upon by everyone from Janet Jackson, Teena Marie and George Duke, to Stanley Clarke, Boney James and Dave Koz.

Brian Simpson Something About YouSimpson’s newest masterpiece and eighth recording as a leader, Something About You, is the perfect amalgamation of influences that are close to the pianist’s heart: Jazz, R&B, Funk, Soul. His eloquent touch, sophisticated harmonic sensibility and bluesy overtones bless each of the album’s ten originals. The pianist enlists help from a seasoned group of musicians including programmer and co-producer Steve Oliver and keyboardist Oliver Wendell, who also helped to co-produced the CD. The trio was joined by bassists Alex Al and Andre Berry, guitarists Darrell Crooks and Yarone Levy, percussionist Ramon Yslas and trumpeter Ron King. Brian Simpson’s eighth recording as a leader find the consummate pianist churning out in the pocket grooves and dancing melodies that he has long been revered for but also pushing his sonic limits to new heights.

There are many qualities that make Brian Simpson’s music distinctive but one of the most powerful elements is his ability to compose unbelievably beautiful and striking melodies. This gift has landed him on top of the charts numerous times. “I have figured out that there is no simple way to write a good song,”  he explains “You have to take time crafting every element. I will often write one melody for a song then try to come up with something completely different, then let a day go by before listening again in order to get an objective opinion on which one to use. I often make changes at the last minute, so it’s a process of refinement that isn’t over until it’s over!”
 
Something About You opens with the jubilant and funky title track which shines a spotlight on Simpson’s effervescent and soaring piano lines juxtaposed to the bouncy and bottom heavy bass lines of Alex Al and rhythmic fancy of  Ramon Yslas. The sweet and dreamy “Morning Samba,” the album’s first single and the mystical “Blue Horizon,” both possess an intoxicating EDM vibe. “I wanted this project to sound modern, which I hoped to accomplish through electronic music elements,” says Simpson. “This should catch your ear upon first listen. What I hoped would be unique is combining those elements with the organically funky bass and guitar that has become a distinction of my music.”

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The pervasive feeling on Something About You is one of joy and upliftment. Simpson and company fuel the good times with the percussive “Mojave,” featuring the intense and beautiful interplay between Simpson’s piano and Yarone Levy’s guitar. The seductive and R&B laced “Chemistry,” featuring trumpeter Ron King, is a high point on the CD. “I’m following in the footsteps of those that laid the foundation of contemporary jazz music,” says Simpson. “Fusing jazz and R&B is just what contemporary jazz is all about.” The pop infused songs “At First Sight” and “Irresistible” show the melodic brilliance of Simpson who is unparalled in his ability to compose breathtakingly beautiful melodies that almost sing their way into your subconscious mind and soul.Something About You also features “Gotta Get To You,” a sensuous ballad with a relentless rock-steady groove and the emotive “Speechless,” which will tug on your heartstrings with its wistful melodic lines and Simpson’s longing and tender piano touch. It is fitting that the CD closes with the gorgeous composition “The Rainbow.” And just like the qualities of a rainbow, Simpson creates an an illusion all of his own – an auditory illusion spurred by his majestic touch and ability to conjure deep emotion. He shares, “My hope is always the same, that somehow the melodies, harmonies, and grooves make a connection with people.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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