Now, with the release of West Coast Coolin', Norman Brown consolidates his reputation as a premier recording and performing artist with a collection of ten tracks -- written and co-written by the artist - that take the sonic adventure of Just Chillin' into breathtaking new spheres. It's an innovation due in large part to Brown's exceptional skills as a distinctive urban vocalist, with the specially selected tracks of West Coast Coolin' providing the perfect vehicle for this dazzling new facet of his career. As a result, Norman Brown joins a very select list of versatile urban artists gifted as both instrumentalists and vocalists.
All which should come as no surprise to savvy music fans. Over the course of five landmark releases and a virtually constant itinerary of international touring, this gifted and gloriously versatile guitarist and vocalist has established himself as one of a handful of preeminent instrumentalists and composers in contemporary musical realms, setting a standard for virtuosity that has placed the Shreveport, La. native in a category of one.
It's a love affair with music that began at the tender age of eight, after the family had relocated to Kansas City. It was there that Brown first heard the mind-blowing brilliance of Jimi Hendrix and determined to make the guitar his life. The obligatory garage rock apprenticeship followed, but it was Brown's steelworker father who eventually introduced his son to the equally life-changing influence of Wes Montgomery and turned his talents toward jazz.
After graduating high school, Brown headed west to study at the renowned Musician's Institute in Los Angeles, eventually landing a teaching job at the school even as he put together his first jazz combo and began playing on the city's thriving club scene. Adding George Benson to his list of seminal influences, Brown had already garnered a small but fanatical following when he landed his first recording contract with Motown Records. Over the course of the next four years he released three critically acclaimed albums, Just Between Us (1992), the gold-selling After The Storm (1994) and Better Days Ahead (1996). The decade drew to a close with a new label, Warner Bros. Records, and one of his most accomplished and assured offerings, the above mentioned Celebration, which marked the beginning of his fruitful collaboration with ace producer Paul Brown.
Celebration was followed, two years later, by the Grammy winning Just Chillin', spotlighting an altogether more laid back sound and an A-list of supporting vocalists that included Michael McDonald, Chante Moore, Miki Howard and others.
Sweet Taste
Norman Brown Lyrics
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The lyrics to Norman Brown's song, Sweet Taste, seem to be about the experience of falling in love. The "sweet taste of love" refers to the enjoyment and pleasure that comes with the emotion. The first verse mentions "holding hands in the park," which seems like a romantic and intimate activity between two people who are in love. It can also be interpreted as a metaphor for the way in which people in love support and take care of one another. The second verse mentions "whispers soft in my ear," which suggests a level of intimacy and trust in a relationship.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the singer's desire to stay in this state of love and passion forever. The repetition of the phrase "sweet taste of love" reinforces the idea that it is a pleasurable and fulfilling experience. The line "never let it go" indicates the singer's fear of losing this feeling and the person they are in love with.
Line by Line Meaning
Sweet taste of love
The pleasant feeling and experience of being in love
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: KENNETH H. WILLIAMS, NORMAN C. BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind