Stay With Me

The CD opens with the sweeping melody and the delicious vibes of   “Let’s Take A Ride.”  Brown’s guitar wizardry ensures a quick pace, building upon the strong foundation built by bass player Alex Al. 

Two absolutely gorgeous romantic murals appear on this album, “Soul Dance” and “So In Love.” The latter tune is an uplifting song that paints beautiful pastel images.  Drummer Teddy Campbell uses his sticks on the rims of his drums to great effect. “Soul Dance” is filled with delicious ear candy, including Brown’s amazing and seamless chord changes, as well as a superb saxophone solo by Sam Riney. Brown collaborated with Jeff Caruthers and Paul Brown to write the song. Caruthers also developed the arrangements, and Brown donned the producer’s hat during the recording session at Funky Joint Studios.  

The R&B title track, “Stay With Me,” was written, arranged and produced by Brian McKnight. At times it sounds very Boyz II Men like, which to coin a phrase, isn’t exactly chopped liver. Both Brown and McKnight sing on “Stay With Me.” McKnight also complements Brown’s guitar licks, playing an assortment of instruments, keyboards, bass and rhythm guitar.

R&B vocalist Nikkole, who has reached unbelievable heights as an independent artist and is considered one of the bright young stars on the music scene, lends her beautiful vocals to “You Keep Lifting Me Higher.”  The singer collaborated with Brown and Lloyd Tolbert to write this song, with Brown and Tolbert co-producing and collaborating on the arrangements.  

The CD Stay With Me by Norman Brown is another in a growing list of gems from an outstanding artist.