(August 8, 2024) In 2023, SoulTracks sadly said goodbye to George Brown, a major force in R&B, soul and pop as a longtime member and co-founder of Kool & The Gang, who recently was inducted into The Rock & Roll of Fame. As George Brown continued an extended battle with cancer, he invested quality time into a memoir: Too Hot: Kool & The Gang & Me and a full-length album, Where I’m Coming From (Astana Music, Inc.).
Brown’s widow, Hanh Brown, breaks down the purpose behind this posthumous recording: “His voice resonates with incredible depth and authenticity, while the lyrics are profoundly sentimental.” And this gifted talent, a Songwriter’s Hall of Famer and drummer/keyboardist for K&TG, has several stories to share including the release of his first two singles, a previous First Listen “What If” and the new “Shawty’s Got.” While the premise of one’s tested faith and the thrill of young love respectively are quite opposite, both moments deliver believability in its transparencies.
On an interesting note, the latest First Listen, “Shawty’s Got,” was written two decades ago. But all the elements from the entertaining production to Brown’s pleasing lead vocal performance uplift “Shawty’s Got” into a 2024 vibe. That aside, do not expect a Kool & The Gang funk party, i.e. “Ladies Night” and “Jungle Boogie,” as what Brown brings to the table in this scenario is a great sufficiency. Guided by a very steady groove with a flamingo flair, sexy hovers in the air concentrating on the beauty of simplicity in young romance. The doo-wop background vocals eloquently shower this piece, closed out with a muted trumpet. Undoubtedly, Brown will be missed on so many musical and personal levels. Check out “Shawty’s Got.”
By Peggy Oliver
