Bares All On Authentically Norman Out Friday (3/20)!
One of the 50 greatest guitarists all time.” – uDiscover Music
“One of the greatest and most articulate guitarists out there.”-George Benson
“A culmination of Jimi Hendrix and George Benson with some of Wes Montgomery thrown in.” -JazzTimes Magazine
“One of contemporary jazz’s brightest lights…a master player and improviser.” -AllMusic
“I spend a lot of time focusing on balance. I practice Tai Chi, which helps center my mind and body,” shares Grammy-winning and multi-platinum selling guitarist Norman Brown. “I also enjoy quiet reflection, being outdoors, and spending time with positive people in my life. Sometimes the best way to recharge is simply to step away from the noise and reconnect with yourself.” The iconic guitarist George Benson calls Norman Brown, “One of the greatest and most articulate guitarists out there.” Brown has sold over five-million albums and has enjoyed a four-decade career that most musicians only dream of. The humble chart-topping guitar wizard is known for his jaw-dropping virtuosity, exhilarating live performances, gravity-defying technique and unrivaled ability to fuse the best elements of Jazz, R&B, Pop, Funk and Blues. Brown’s agile, crisp and pristine guitar lines sound as if he is singing through his strings. “I’ve always tried to make my guitar sound like a voice,” he confides. “Singing is about emotion and phrasing, and I approach the guitar the same way. Every note should say something meaningful.” The Atlanta-based guitarist will release his anticipated new album, Authentically Norman on Shanachie Entertainment on March 20, 2026. Featuring eleven sterling originals and collaborations with Wirlie Morris (Charlie Wilson, Keith Sweat, Boyz II Men, etc.) label-mate Paul Brown (George Benson, Luther Vandross, and Boney James, etc.) and Shane Theriot (Hall & Oates, The Neville Brothers and Beyoncé, etc.), Norman Brown crafts the ultimate sonic companion for moments of celebration, reflection, rejuvenation, inspiration and romance.
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A musician’s musician, Norman Brown has collaborated with George Benson as well as countless others including Dave Koz, Brian McKnight, Kirk Whalum, Miki Howard, Jeff Lorber, Gerald Albright, Rick Braun, Peabo Bryson, and Chanté Moore. The guitarist’s relentless pursuit to make an earnest connection with his fans and give them an unfettered musical offering of himself has built him a devoted fanbase. His fans, by the way, are affectionately dubbed Normantics. “Creating music always includes three things: joy, struggle and revelation,” states Norman. “The joy comes when a melody suddenly appears and you realize you’ve discovered something beautiful. The struggle is shaping that idea into a finished piece, and the revelation comes when you realize the music has taught you something about life.” Brown’s 15th recording as a leader underscore why he is one of the greatest living guitarists in any genre. Norman shares that every album he has recorded has reflected a different chapter in his life. “With Authentically Norman, I wanted the music to reflect who I am right now both musically and spiritually. Instead of chasing trends, I focused on honesty in the sound and letting the guitar really speak. Collaborating with incredible musicians like Paul Brown and Wirlie Morris helped bring that vision to life because of the musical trust we share,” states Norman. “They understand the language of groove, melody, and emotion. When musicians really listen to each other, the music becomes a conversation instead of just a performance. That’s where the magic happens.”
Authentically Norman is a masterclass in balance, pairing high-velocity precision with soul-stirring anthems and deep, soulful in-the-pocket grooves that emphasize Norman Brown’s depth and versatility. The album opens with its first single “Chillax,” the perfect combination of tranquility and quiet fire. “‘Chillax’ really came from the idea of slowing down and enjoying the moment,” explains Norman. “Life moves fast, and sometimes we forget to breathe and appreciate where we are. I wanted the music to create a space where people could relax but still feel a soulful groove. It has that smooth, laid-back feel, but there’s still some Blues and Soul inside it. When we listened back to the tracks, it immediately felt like the perfect introduction to the spirit of the album. “King Normantic,” featuring singer Tameka Dawn, will make you want to two-step as Norman’s rhythmic guitar moves seamlessly with a blazing fluidity and clarity that delights. The composition “Valentine” is a collaboration with Wirlie Morris that finds Norman embarking on an emotive journey as he serenades us with this melodic and harmonic wonder. Morris also collaborates with Norman on the lush waltz “Revolution of Love,” reminiscent of a Sounds of Philadelphia anthem but with a modern touch. It is not hard to imagine Norman singing through his guitar strings. “We live in a time when people often feel divided, but love has the power to bring people together,” explains Norman. “This song is really a reminder that compassion and understanding can change the world.” “I Wish” is another hit-bound collaboration with Wirlie Morris (who sings on the track). The emotive and alluring ballad showcases Norman’s perfection as a soloist and ability to pull at our heart strings with his melodic and harmonic genius.
Authentically Norman also features the irresistible euphoric and dance-happy “Home Stretch” penned by Shane Theriot, Paul Brown and Brian Bromberg. The track delights with an up-tempo swing and a soulful, rock-steady groove, providing the perfect foundation for Norman Brown to truly shine. It is easy to get enraptured in the cathartic and meditative title track, “Authentically Norman.” “Being authentic means living and creating from your true center,” declares Norman. “Personally, it means integrity and growth. Musically, it means allowing the guitar to express real emotion-joy, reflection, even struggle. I want people to hear the music and feel that it’s sincere. When you stop trying to be anything other than yourself, that’s when the real music shows up.” Norman shows up and shows out on “I’m Good” which has all the right ingredients: an unforgettable melody, undeniable groove, and Norman’s Midas touch, which leave us hanging on to every single note. Norman gives us a hint of the Mother Land on the rhythmically charged and groove heavy “Afro So Nice,” opening the door to the guitarist’s flight of fancy. The catchy and effervescent “Moments” showcases Norman Brown’s ability to instantly enrapture listeners in his sonic wonder, while the stunningly beautiful “Serene Dream” brings Authentically Norman to a fitting finale. The meditative and enchanting “Serene Dream” is a prime example of Norman’s gift to sonically conjure a state of joyful peace. “Music absolutely has healing properties,” declares Norman. “Throughout history it has helped people process emotions, find peace, and connect with each other. If someone hears my music and feels comfort or inspiration, then I feel I’ve done my job.”
In 1992, Norman Brown recorded the album Just Between Us, which was followed by the Gold-selling and Soul Train award-winning After The Storm in 1994 and Better Days Ahead in 1996. Having recorded a string of successful albums including 1999’s Celebration (in which he teamed up with Paul Brown), Norman Brown scored a Grammy for his 2002 album Just Chillin’ (featuring vocalists Michael McDonald, Miki Howard, and Chanté Moore). The same year, Brown joined forces with saxophonist Kirk Whalum and trumpeter Rick Braun, forming the super-group BWB, and they made their recording debut with their album Groovin’. In 2013 they released Human Nature, a tribute album to Michael Jackson, which was followed by their third collaboration, BWB, in 2016. Brown continued a trail of well-received albums including West Coast Coolin’ (2004), Stay with Me (2007), Sending My Love (2010), and Grammy-nominated 24/7 with saxophonist Gerald Albright (2012). In 2017, Shanachie Entertainment released Brown’s anticipated and well-received label debut, Let It Go. The guitarist has recorded the following critically heralded releases for the label: The Highest Act of Love (2019), Heart to Heart (2020), Let’s Get Away (2022) and It Hits Different (2024).
A true road warrior, Norman Brown will be touring relentlessly in support of Authentically Norman. He concludes, “The audience is a huge part of the music. When I perform live, it’s not just about playing songs – it’s about sharing an experience with the people in the room. That connection creates an energy that flows both ways, and it’s one of the most beautiful parts of live music.”
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