Maurice Brown

“Maurice Brown is one of the most exciting young trumpeters in jazz—be it New Orleans or New York. His improvisations are fresh, his chops dynamic and he’s writing what could very well become a new generation of hard-bop-meets-new-grooves standards,” wrote Jason Koransky, editor for DownBeat Magazine.

Born on January 6, 1981, in the south suburb of Chicago—Harvey, Illinois—Maurice grew up with avid music lovers, Charles and Charlotte. Showing a remarkable affinity for the trumpet at an early age, Brown was invited to perform with composer/pianist Ramsey Lewis at the Symphony Center in Chicago while still attending Hillcrest High School. Following graduation, he was awarded a full music scholarship at Northern Illinois University.

In 2001 Brown won first place in the National Miles Davis Trumpet Competition. He later continued his studies at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he worked with famed clarinetist, educator and mentor, Alvin Batiste. Brown relocated to New Orleans shortly thereafter, and within a year was invited to headline weekly at the premiere jazz club, Snug Harbor. And consider this—the only other names that hold down a coveted weekly spot at Snug are Marsalis and Neville.

Maurice has played with numerous jazz veterans, including Clark Terry, Johnny Griffin, Ellis Marsalis, Louis Hayes, Wynton Marsalis, Von Freeman, Dr. Nathan Davis, Patrice Rushen, Billy Cobbham, Dr. Billy Taylor, Mulgrew Miller, Lonnie Plaxico, and others. Legendary trumpeter, Clark Terry said, "Brownie is the young trumpeter to watch for sure. I see young cats all over the world and Maurice has it.” He has also recorded with many artists, including Curtis Fuller, Fred Anderson, Roy Hargrove, Michelle Carr, and Ernest Dawkins, among many others.

In 2004, Maurice self-produced his debut album, Hip to Bop which hit the airwaves as the number one add in its first week and has been steadily gaining international attention ever since. Released on his own label, Brown Records, Maurice says, “Hip to Bop reflects my music itself. I try to make sure everything is swinging and you can really move to it—that hip-hop groove feel.” Hip to Bop breaks down the generational divide by bringing jazz into the present with fresh sounds while staying true to hard bop roots. Audiences young and old, from California to New York, and around the world are feelin’ Hip to Bop.

After Hurricane Katrina, Maurice relocated to New York City and became an instant household name on the scene. He’s been featured at Dizzy’s Coca Cola Room, Jazz Standard, Iridium Jazz Club, and other top music clubs. The Maurice Brown Quintet appears in music venues internationally and locally. He also continues to appear regularly with his hip-hop/funk combo, Soul'd U Out. Currently, he is scoring the film, "House of Malik."

An equally masterful trumpeter, composer, producer and bandleader at just 25 years old, Maurice Brown is sure to make an influential mark on jazz and the world beyond for many years to come. As trumpeter/composer Terence Blanchard stated, "Maurice Brown is one of the most talented of his generation. He has the vision to bring a new voice, not only to his instrument, but to jazz in general.” And that’s exactly what he’s doing.