| Biography
Born and raised in
Georgia, USA, Baron Browne gravitated to music at a very early
age, learning to play his uncle's drumset at 7 years old. As a
teenager he dabbled in piano lessons and at age 12 played guitar for a
year before realizing that bass guitar was to be his instrument.
At age 18, Baron
was launched into the professional music scene right out of high
school, moving to Boston and studying at the Berklee School of Music.
After studying at the prestigious school for a year, he began working
full time in Boston with artists such as Kevin Eubanks, Tiger
Okoshi, Mike Stern, Bill Frisell and Dean Brown.
In 1983, Baron
received a call from jazz-fusion violinist Jean-Luc Ponty.
After touring for three years and recording three albums with Ponty, Billy
Cobham came calling. Baron traveled extensively throughout Europe
and the U.S. with the legendary drummer. After three years and two
albums with Cobham, Baron returned to the Ponty band for more work.
In 1992, Baron
joined the group Steps Ahead featuring Mike Mainieri and
"Saturday Night Live" saxophonist Alex Foster. One
year later he was invited by renowned jazz vibraphonist Gary Burton
to join him for tours of Japan, Europe and the U.S.
Baron's versatility
with playing all styles of music allowed him to also perform with
R&B and Pop artists such as Brian McKnight, Tom Jones
and Exposé.
In 1996, Ponty
called on Baron once again to record his first live album in over 20
years ("Live at Chene Park"). The album received rave
reviews from jazz critics. In 1997 Baron's talents were secured by
renowned Journey drummer Steve Smith for a European tour with
his group Vital Information.
The sought-after
bassist has made several television appearances, including "The
Pat Sajak Show" on CBS and "Ohne Filter" in Germany.
Baron can be heard
on many albums by jazz recording artist Walter Beasley.
Walter's album "For Your Pleasure" reached the number one
spot on the Billboard contemporary jazz chart. Because of Baron's
musical experience, Walter also made Baron musical director of his
touring band.
In 1999 Baron went
on an extensive tour of Europe, the U.S., Australia and New Zealand
with Steve Smith and Vital Information to help promote their CD
entitled "Where We Come From." A double live CD called
"Live Around The World" documenting the band on that tour
was released Sept. 2000.
In the year 2002
Baron continued to tour with Vital Information to promote the CD
"Show ‘Em Where You Live." He was also included in the
writing and producing of this album.
While working with
Vital Info, Steve Smith also uses Baron for his Buddy Rich tribute
band Buddy's Buddies with Mark Soskin and Buddy Rich alumni Steve
Marcus and Andy Fusco. They have released two live recordings
showcasing that lineup, "Very Live at Ronnie Scotts' Set 1 and
Set 2."
As of 2004, Baron
continues to write and perform with Vital Information as a
full-fledged member. Their latest release "Come On In"
received rave reviews from jazz critics around the world.
Baron has continued
to be a major force in the music industry. He has expanded his range
to include producing and arranging for other artists as well as his
own projects.
Discography
- Tiger Okoshi, Muddcake
(JVC)
- Frank Quintero, Frank
Quintero (CBS Venezuela)
- Kevin Eubanks, Sundance
(GRP)
- Jean-Luc Ponty, Fables
(Atlantic)
- Jean-Luc Ponty, The
Gift of Time (Atlantic)
- Jean-Luc Ponty, Storytelling
(Atlantic)
- Jean-Luc Ponty, Live
at Chene Park (Atlantic)
- Billy Cobham, Warning
(GRP)
- Billy Cobham, Power
Play (GRP)
- Mark O'Conner, Heroes
(CBS)
- Walter Beasley, Tonight
We Love (Shenachie) (also listed as Arranger)
- Walter Beasley, For
Your Pleasure (Shenachie) (also listed as Producer)
- Gabriela Anders,
Wanting (CBS)
- Walter Beasley, Won’t
You Let Me Love You (Shenachie)
- Walter Beasley, Rendevous
(Shenachie) (also listed as Producer)
- Walter Beasley, Go
With The Flow (Shenachie)
- Vital
Information, Live Around The World (Intuition)
- Aydin Esen, Timescape
(BMG)
- Vital
Information, Show ‘Em Where You Live (Tone Center)
- Steve Smith and
Buddy’s Buddies, Very Live At Ronnie Scott’s - Set One (Tone
Center)
- Steve Smith and
Buddy’s Buddies, Very Live At Ronnie Scott’s - Set Two (Tone
Center)
- Steve Smith and
Vital Information, Come On In (Tone Center)
- Andrea Bocelli, Andrea
(Sugar)
Baron has also
toured and performed with Angela Bofill, Stanley Clarke, Tom Browne,
Billy Cobham, Kevin Eubanks, Lonnie Liston Smith, Noel Pointer,
Freddie Hubbard, Tiger Okoshi, Kenny G, Jean-Luc Ponty, Dave
Valentine, Stanley Turrentine, Gary Burton, Mike Manieri and Steps
Ahead, Larry Coryell, Randy Brecker, Al Dimeola, Exposé, Tom Jones,
Brian McKnight, Walter Beasley, and Aydin Esen, Tommy Campbell and
Andrea Bocelli.
For more biographical and recording info,
visit Baron's Web
site. |