The Jazz Guitar of
Andy Brown


Press: CD Reviews: Direct Call

Jazz Times Magazine
"Direct Call" Review

Thoroughly worthy of its Johnny Hodges/Duke Ellington pedigree, in buoyantly swinging ways, “The Jeep Is Jumpin’” kicks off guitarist Andy Brown’s third recording for Delmark. There are several uptempo delights to come, enlivened by Brown’s fluid yet unfussy virtuosity. Swift propulsion and crisp breaks, courtesy of pianist Jeremy Kahn, bassist Joe Policastro and drummer Phil Gratteau, complete the picture.
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Downbeat Magazine
"Direct Call" Review

4 stars - Classy guitarist Andy Brown follows “Soloist,” his gorgeous solo album on Delmark, with a date featuring his regular crew, which has long held down a long residency at Andy’s Jazz Club in Chicago. From the get-go, it’s a swingin’ affair.
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Just Jazz Guitar
"Direct Call" Review

With Direct Call there'll be no buyer's remorse for bonafide jazz fans. It's sophisticated without being pretentious or pedantic. Moreover, it's soulful, thoughtful music with real character and a showcase for excellent and authoritative artistry...This recording endorses the theory that real talent will always find its audience. This CD, in addition to being an asset to any jazz enthusiast's library, is proof positive that the art form is surviving and being practiced by jazz's finest artists.
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Vintage Guitar Magazine
"Direct Call" review

Not every jazz guitarist who plays solo can also blow in a group context, and vice versa...Andy Brown joined the league...From the opening licks in Johnny Hodges’ “The Jeep Is Jumpin’,” it appears that a trek to Chi-Town might be in order...Throughout, Brown’s playing is inventive and melodic (not merely a chops display, even on Pass’ speed-demon “Catch Me”), and he extracts a deep, round tone with plenty of definition from his ’65 Gibson Tal Farlow model.
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Chicago Jazz Magazine
"Direct Call" review

Chicago guitarist Andy Brown has mastered the art of subtlety and elegance. His suave, clean, deceptively simple style is easily recognizable, as is his deeply expressive and vibrant sound. On his fifth release, Direct Call, Brown convenes his regular working band for a varied program of standards that crackle with spontaneity and energy.
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Jazz Journal
"Direct Call" review

It’s the easy telepathy of the group that makes the difference here. A reworked Hot Club theme provides a title track and a very good summary of the album’s appeal. There’s no faffing around and no grandstanding.
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Jazz Lives
Andy Brown, Swing Master: "Appel Direct"

Chicago-based guitarist Andy Brown is in fact a Swing Master...Direct Call I would gladly dub SWING MASTERPIECE OF 2016...I urge you to check out the CD...I believe that you will feel uplifted, rewarded — by the sweetness of PRISONER OF LOVE, the rare energy of CATCH ME...It’s a beautifully integrated quartet, with each player generously giving of himself to the band.
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Dr. Jazz Dot Live Blog
"Direct Call" Review

When I think of Chicago jazz guitar, I instantly think of Andy Brown...This album is what a studio jazz recording should be all about. It’s sincere, pure, and sounds exactly like a late night live set at a real jazz club...You can hear hints of legends like Wes Montgomery, Lenny Breau, and Joe Pass in Brown’s style but his sense of spacing and dynamics are extraordinarily unique... Brown’s guitar lines and arpeggios are as fluid and lyrical as that of a master class jazz vocalist...If you’re looking for a pure jazz album with no flash and nothing but great music, you must get a copy of Direct Call by The Andy Brown Quartet. This is the real deal.
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Gapplegate Guitar and Bass Blog
"Direct Call" Review

This music reminds us that the human prehensile grip not only has enabled us to do cool things like fashion spears, paint masterpieces, but also has given us the ability (for some anyway) to play the guitar like a mother...It is an album all guitarists and all their friends will find hard not to like. It boils over with guitar brilliance. You must hear this! Then you must smile! Well, not must, but I do think you will. I did. I am smiling to myself right now!
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Direct Call

For booking info or to join Andy's monthly mailing list, please contact Andy at: andybrownguitar@yahoo.com or 773-396-1180



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