KIERAN BROWN

LOVING YOU

 Cellar Music

Kieran Brown, vocals; Tyler Henderson, piano; Joey Ranieri, bass; Joe Peri, drums; Aaron Matson, guitar; Jarien Jamanila, alto saxophone; Chris Lewis, tenor saxophone; Tony Glausi, trumpet; Jacob Melsha, trombone; Isabella Geis, violin 1; Emma Richman, violin 2; Cameren Williams, viola; Iona Batchelder, cello; Eytan Schillinger- electric bass; Nathan Farrel, vocals. ARRANGERS: Joe Block, Aaron Matson & Kieran Brown.

Kieran Brown bursts on the scene, swinging the familiar “You’re Gonna Hear From Me” with her vocals smooth as oil on glass.  The arrangement is enhanced by the wonderful horn section with Jarien Jamanila on alto saxophone, Chris Lewis on tenor, Tony Glausi on trumpet and Jacob Melsha on trombone.  Guitarist Aaron Matson is responsible for the impressive arrangement.  This tune is a great way for Kieran Brown to introduce us to her voice and jazzy presence.

On “Emily,” the lovely ballad by Johnny Mercer and Henry Mancini, Brown sings with passion and sincerity.  Her voice is also perfect for interpreting the Brazilian style of music. This is clear on her presentation of the famed Antonio Carlos Jobim tune, “Meditation.”

At sixteen, young Kieran Brown was singing the National Anthem at Madison Square Garden. The next year, she cemented a spot inside a prestigious undergraduate jazz program.  She has had her eye on the prize since her teens, aiming for a respectable place in the jazz vocal community. Those who heard her quickly embraced her dream. Many offered to help propel her dream forward.

Surrounded with both instrumentalists and respected arrangers, this album began to take shape.  Her rhythm section is impressive with Tyler Henderson, strong and supportive on piano, Joseph Raneri on bass, Aaron Matson on guitar and Joe Peri on drums.  The interesting use of guitar on the familiar “Alfie” arrangement helps to make that song sound brand new. Matson, the guitarist, has arranged this song.

I was impressed with Kieran’s original composition called “Little Bits of Magic.”  Her lyrical style is well written, and her melody is strong.  She explores her scat abilities tentatively.  Everything on this debut album is pure, fresh and sounds innocent.  Her vocal duet with Nathan Farrell on “Loving You” puts the “P” in pop music. It shows diversity.  Tyler Henderson’s piano solo reminds us that this is jazz we’re listening to. Tyler’s piano inspires me not to forget it!

Her interpretation of the Ray Charles tune, “Hallelujah, I Love Him So,” opens with just Kieran’s warm vocals floating atop the bass line of Joey Ranieri.  I was interested to see how she would handle singing a blues with Gospel inflections.  Miss Brown did a fine job.  The lovely cello of Iona Batchelder adds tenderness and beauty to the arrangement of  Bernstein and Sondheim’s timeless tune, “Somewhere.”   Kieran Brown’s voice caresses this melody like sensuous fingertips.

Although still in development, she is finding her voice and embracing her own unique style. I find her talent and potential on-point.  I look forward to hearing much more from Kieran Brown. This album will hit the public market on July 11, 2025. This is a sneak preview.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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