Jazz-Pittsburgh.com Smooth Jazz Artist BiographyBrian Culbertson - smooth jazz keyboardist CD Come On UpVisit the Pittsburgh smooth jazz news resource and restaurant directory at Jazz-Pittsburgh.com, the official Smooth Jazz event listings website and best dining guide of jazz clubs in pittsburghBrian Culbertson - Come On Up No stranger to the top spots of music industry charts like R and R, Gavin, and Billboard since his 1994 self-produced debut "Long Night Out", the upbeat and incredibly funky soul sound of smooth jazz keyboardist sensation Brian Culbertson and his latest release "Come On Up" continue to establish his influence on the smooth jazz genre.
Born in Decatur, Illinois, influenced by his father's musical taste who also played trumpet and directed high school jazz ensemble, Brian took in the sounds of pop, RnB, and funk sounds of many 70's bands like, Earth, Wind and Fire, Chicago, Blood Sweat and Tears, Tower of Power, the Brecker Brothers, and folks like David Sanborn and later the big production sounds of musical genius David Foster. At eight years of age, Brian would begin taking piano lessons, and by age 12 be considered a multi-instrumentalist as he added the notches of bass guitar, trombone and drums to his musical belt. Later he would discover the possibilities of music technology acquiring MIDI synthesizers, drum machines, sequencers, and computer software. Having a visceral devotion and love of performing and making music, Brian was untiringly immersed in it and would be rewarded with 11 Downbeat student awards. Wow… Culbertson would also take on the influences of keyboard greats like Joe Sample of the Crusaders, Russell Ferrante of the Yellowjackets, and Chick Corea. In 1991 DePaul University in Chicago would be where Culbertson would move to and continue honing his craft and developing his composition and arranging chops. It was 1993 when he recorded the three song demo (that would end up being the beginnings of "Long Night Out") that landed him a record deal via a friend of the family at Mesa/Blue Moon Records. Culbertson's 1994 debut "Long Night Out" was an immediate smash and spent six of 10 weeks being the 2nd most played album on the Contemporary Jazz charts for radio airplay. His work that would follow would be nothing short of chart-topping, award-winning, critically acclaimed, and earn him the "new kid on the block" reputation that would keep him busy as a highly sought after writer and producer. "Modern Life" (1995) "After Hours" (1996) "Secrets" (1997) "Somethin' Bout Love" (1999) "Nice & Slow" (2001) The infectious pulses of the first three tracks on "Come On Up" will have you up on your feet and moving to the grooves. "Say What?" written along with saxophonist Steve Cole is a feel-good tune with a nice dose of horns to get things started. Steve Cole is featured taking tasty solos and playing the catchy melody while the ad lib vocals of Ricky Peterson and his Hammond B3 Organ playing are sprinkled throughout the track. You won't want to sit down once you hear "Midnight". This tune features the legendary bassist Marcus Miller and, again, Steve Cole who pulls no punches with his ripping solos. The Dave Koz and Culbertson collaboration "Playin'" is another tune that keeps you involved in a fun and upbeat vibe. We here at Jazz-Pittsburgh.com seriously wonder if Brian Culbertson's middle name is "catchy". His melodies and compositions make instant and lasting impressions-as does his piano playing and approach throughout the whole album. Other Jazz-Pittsburgh.com favorites on "Come On Up" are the intimate "Last Night" featuring trumpeter Rick Braun. The laid back feel of this tune settles you in and Culbertson's piano speaks softly, slowly, and shines as the organ and horns give this piece just the right amount of breeze and atmosphere. Nice… And Culbertson's tribute to the legendary 70's funk/RnB band Earth, Wind, and Fire remaking the classic "Serpentine Fire" is outstanding. Marcus Miller is back to lay down the bass line, master horns arranger Jerry Hey handles the original Phoenix Horns transcription, and Ricky Peterson never wears his welcome stopping by with his B3 to work his magic. Culbertson's piano wizardry with the melody and interesting arranging and representation of the vocals using a talk box will have you singing along as if you were listening to the original. Nice work Mr. Culbertson… And if you aren't hip to Brian Culbertson yet, you need to "Come On Up" and check him out! Find out more about Brian Culbertson at: www.brianculbertson.com. Don't forget to sign the Jazz-Pittsburgh Guest List and receive the newsletter to stay tuned to the announcements about what’s going on when and where! Leave any comments and/or suggestions you might have in the Guest Book and spread the word by Telling a Friend! Also view:
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