Baron has 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, Aydin Esen, Tony "Thunder" Smith, Bill Evans, John Blackwell, Tommy Campbell and Andrea Bocelli. Currently Baron plays with Steve Smith and Vital Information.
••••••Baron Browne with Steps Ahead, Warsaw 1993. Alex Foster (sax), Billy Kilson (drums), Rachel Z (keys), Mike Manieri (vibes).
Influences
Scott La Faro, Jaco Pastorius, Charles Mingus, D'Angelo, Raashan Patterson, Parliament, Funkadelic, James Brown, James Jamerson, Prince, Common and Pino Palladino to name but a few.
Sounds Like
••••••••••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)
••••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 Expos...
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. Their 2004 release "Come On In" received rave reviews from jazz critics around the world.
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." The band is now known as Steve Smith's Jazz Legacy and the line-up includes Walt Weiskopf on tenor after the sad passing of Steve Marcus.
As of 2007, Baron continues to write and perform with Vital Information. He continues to be a major force in the music industry playing bass, producing and arranging for other artists as well as his own projects.
Yo!!!! What's up man? When are we going to play again? I still can't get over the fact that you told me I played too long a solo in that little bar in West Palm Beach. You were like "You sounded killing man, but you played too long". LOL.
Just want to THANK YOU for all you did at the Drum Fantasy Camp...it was a great honor to be on stage with you...your an amazing musician and one of the coolest guys around..I hope I get the chance one day to do it again...thanks again...Anthony
