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-- Latin Jazz-Funk --
Formerly known as SHADES OF BROWN
Winner of the 2001 Montreal Jazz Festival Prix De Jazz Award!

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The following musicians appear on the  recording

         Born "Nick Ali" on the small Caribbean island of Trinidad and based in Toronto, Brownman is one of the most in demand, young jazz studio musicians in the province right now.  He is also one of the first calls for both the latin and the funk/acid-jazz units in the city appearing in the horn sections of countless funk, salsa and merengue bands.  Amongst a long list of mentors, Nick has studied with recording legend Randy Brecker (of The Brecker Brothers) in New York city, Brazilian samba master Claudio Roditi and with British jazz icon Kenny Wheeler while attending the prestigious Banff Center For The Arts 1995 JAZZ WORKSHOP (only 3 trumpet players accepted that year).  Brownman has performed (or recorded) with the likes of Kenny Wheeler, Hugh Fraser, Don Thompson, Kirk Macdonald, Pat Labarbera, Rita Di Ghent & The Sprawl Project, The Philosopher Kings, Grüvoria, Dr. Pop & The Noise, Juke Joint, The Pocket Dwellers, Tabarruk, Energia Latina, Bestial, Cimarron, Macondo, Pacande, Dominicanada & far too many more to list here.  He has, as a sideman, just under 60 studio recordings to his name in styles ranging from Be-bop to Acid-jazz to Funk to Brazilian samba to Cuban salsa as well as performing on a number of major motion picture soundtracks, music videos and live television broadcasts.

         Also a descendant of Trinidad, Marcus has become one of the most in demand saxophonists in not only the latin community, but the African community as well.  He has toured Canada with African Ensemble Tikisa and performed on a number of Latin and African recordings.  A graduate of the York University Jazz Program, he has studied with Mike Murley, Phil Dwyer, Mark Eisenman, Don Thompson, Bob Mover and John Gittens.  He is a regular member of Latin bands Banda Bella, Anthony V, Juan Miguel & Orchestra Fantasia, African unit Radio Nomad and has appeared in the horn sections of Dominicanada, Casava, Vibrason, Grüvoria, Dr. Pop & The Noise, The Starlight Orchestra and The Big Steam Band.

          Without a doubt the most called upon latin percussionist in Canada.  You will be hard pressed to find a Canadian latin recording on which Luis hasn't played on.  Acting as a 3rd brother keeps the Ali Brothers on their toes with his driving sense of rhythm, his innate sense of clave and those always remarkable ears.  He is always surprising the group with his supreme sense of time and groove.   It's so nice when your closest friends are bad-asses too!

DAVIDE DI RENZO - Drums

          One of the finest drummers in the city of Toronto.  Equally comfortable in jazz, latin or funk he is the backbone of the group.  Bringing his energy, precision and open mind to the table coupled with his time on the kit with JackSoul and One Step Beyond, this Los Angeles Grove School graduate is a perfect match for Luisito's prowess  completing this small but powerful percussion section...  (He also sings the best silly songs about Lou).

          A long time member of Memo Acevedo's Banda Brava and salsa unit Grupo Mora, Willy has a deep understanding of "tumbao" - the latin bass groove that dominates salsa and latin-jazz.  His strength of line and sheer presence both rhythmically and harmonically make playing without a chordal instrument easy.  Laying the foundation from which the Ali Brothers can leap from, Will's contributions to the group are invaluable.

          The trumpet player from One Step Beyond is also a killing engineer!!  Having another musician... another trumpet player... to talk to behind the board made recording easy.  Bryden, who rose above and beyond the call of duty with his endless hours of brilliant engineering, good spirits, musical attitudes - both Marc and Brown wish him all the Spicy Chicken Roti and Shrimp/Eggplant dishes upon his now assured entrance to heaven.