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Ward Brown had an advantage over most music-loving kids living in Chicago.
He grew up as a child living next to the legendary blues guitarist Muddy
Waters, and by his teen years he was playing drums professionally. Being
one of Chicago's most sought after session drummers, offered Ward various
opportunities such as studio sessions with top local acts and performing
with local acts that opened for artists such as Carl Carlton, Alexander
O'Neal and Denice Williams.
During the mid-eighties, Ward signed with a Chicago based independent record label (Black Hole Records) as a songwriter/artist where he honed his songwriting, recording and production skills.
In the mid-nineties, Ward opened his 32 track recording facility Early Park Limited which offered production opportunities with such artist as Pop Staples, Al Hudson and One Way, Latanya, TVT Records, ARS Records and a host of other industry professionals. |
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During the late nineties, Ward formed the band King Kat, which played around
Chicago for several years before he returned to the studio as Brown's Bag,
Defenders of Soul.
The mission: to play authentic soul music with real instruments that captured
the classic soul sounds of the seventies.
In late 2005, Brown's Bag released its debut album Labor of Love to critics acclaim. The intention of Labor of Love is to capture the spirit of early 70s soul. As well, Brown's Bag "No More Love" is found on the Soulbrother Records release "This is Soul 2006". Being dubbed "the act to watch in 2006", Ward Brown's Brown's Bag signed with Soulchoonz Records for its sophomore release Soul Satisfied. This album has received rave reviews amongst soul music critics worldwide and has recently gained 5/5 rating album review and 'Album of the fortnight' in the UK's highly acclaimed Blues & Soul Magazine.
Personal message from Ward Brown; "I believe a soul song should make you smile, make you love, make you cry, make you laugh an most of all make you remember. After all, isnt that why we call it soul music? Let's never forget Reggie's set. That was the time of our life. That was 'Old School' and I'm proud to have been there, with you. See you at the next set and until then do one thing for yourselfc..Keep your "Soul Satsified" |
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Interview with Ward Brown |
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-What did you grow up listening to?
I grew up listening to Barry White, Isaac Haynes, Gladys Knight and it the mid 70fs I got turned on to Frankie Beverly and Maze and Earth Wind and Fire. Real soul music before the swear words took over.
The funny thing was during that time it wouldnft have been out of place to attend a concert with artist such as these sharing the same stage. I was one of the lucky ones, what a glorious time for music.
-What is your musical background like?
I grew up in Chicago, IL and lived next door to Muddy Waters. Ifve spent most of my years in the music industry as a Drummer performing in various bands as well as doing studio sessions throughout Chicago.
During the mid 80fs, I signed with a Chicago based Independent Record Label (Black Hole Records) as a songwriter. They had plans of me being an artist but I wasnft really interested in that at the time.
During the late 90fs, armed with the experience I gained from working in studios and with the Record Label, I decided to open my own production recording studio (Early Park, Ltd) which lead to me working with artist such as Al Hudson and One Way, Pop Staples, Latanya, TVT Records, ARS Records and a host of other industry professional while providing me an atmosphere to continually write, learn and practice the production side of the industry.
-Who has been your biggest inspiration in music?
Frankie Beverly and Maze, has been a huge inspiration for me. While the sound of R&B moved from traditional to something indescribable and through numerous band member changes, Frankie Beverly and Maze, has remained consistent to their sound and music which has earned them respected fans (me being one of them) across the world and secured them a career in soul music that spans over thirty years. How can you do that and not be special? How can you not be inspired artistically by that?
-When did you start as a professional?
I played drums professionally through my late teens. However, it was during the mid 90fs and working in a production environment with the great Al Hudson when I really felt part of the music industry.
-Have you ever had a memory in your career that you can't?
I donft know what I enjoyed the most; the first time hearing myself on the radio or the first time my friends heard me on the radio. Ifll never forget that.
-Are there artists or producers would you like to collaborate with?
Gladys Knight. Gladys Knight exemplifies sheer grace, beauty, style, etc., etc.. Her vocal quality is stunning
-What do you think about US R&B scene and the music industry nowadays?
I think the US R&B scene could learn a lot from Japan, UK, Germany, etc.. Someone recently asked meccWhere has all the real soul music gone? I answered; itfs all overseas where itfs appreciated.
I find it amazing that Record Companies within the US shy away from investing and supporting real soul music while people in other parts of the globe are showing that the love appreciate and want it.
Additionally, the true soul music fan aboard will not be satisfied with over produced samples passed off as soul music any longer as soul music fans have become much wiser, which is great.
Seriously, a soul song should make you cry, love, laugh, smile, etc.. Soul music should strike an emotion and if it does notcitfs probably not soul.
The US has a little catching up to do and I have every faith that we will.
-Please tell me about the Soul Satisfied album, the concept behind the
idea and your impressions.
The album is to remind us of how it felt when your favorite song played on the radio, or being at a party talking with friends and all of a sudden the DJ plays that track that quiets the table while hypnotically making everyone move their head to the beat while waiting for the chorus so we can sing our favorite part.
I recently read where someone described the track gRainh as gVocally reminiscent of those 70's soul gods and yet very modern in feel this is one for those in love and if you are yet to find the right person then this music will make you wish that you already had.h
Now that is what this album is about, that is the sound and style that is gSoul Satisfiedh.
-What is "Soul Music" or "Old School" for you?
I think gSoul Musich should strike an emotion, it should make you remember what you were doing the first time you heard that particular song. Once that happens, something about the song truly touched your soul.
When you hear the same song years later and feel the same feelingcthatfs gOld Schoolh baby.
-Would you like to say something to your fans?
Yes, to all my fans, thank you and please know sincerely thatc gYou Touch My Hearth. |
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Albums |
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Soul Satisfied |
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| 1 |
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You Touch My Heart |
| 2 |
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You Love Me |
| 3 |
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You're Contagious |
| 4 |
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Me Around |
| 5 |
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More Than Friends |
| 6 |
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Stay |
| 7 |
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Can't Let Go |
| 8 |
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Toss 'N' Turn |
| 9 |
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Open Your Soul |
| 10 |
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Rain |
| 11 |
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No More Love (Diskonauts Remix) |
| 12 |
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Things You Say (Markydisko Jazzy Remix) |
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(SoulChoonz, 2006)
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EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Ward Brown and Terrell Calhoun
PRODUCED, ENGINEERED AND MIXED BY: Word Brown
BACKGROUND VOLALS BY: Ward Brown and Sherrod Brown
HORNS BY:D&L Project |
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Labor Of Love |
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| 1 |
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Holla |
| 2 |
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Things You Say |
| 3 |
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Love Never Comes Around |
| 4 |
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Fall In Love |
| 5 |
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Open Letter |
| 6 |
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No More Love |
| 7 |
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Heaven |
| 8 |
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What About This |
| 9 |
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Brother |
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(Bush Man, 2005) |
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EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Ward Brown and Terrell Calhoun
LEAD AND BACKGROUND VOCALS: Ward Brown and Sherrod Brown |
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Contact to: |
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(last update 2006/12/27) |
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