Brother Down, hailing from Santa Cruz, CA, is an ensemble of eclectic artisans who together form an acoustic-based band whose musical influences are many. Their vision is inspired and given life by the Christian church and fine literature down through the ages.
Members include: Jordan Brownlee - Guitar, Vocals;
Chris Reno - Vocals, Guitar;
Alex Wurmbrand - Violin;
Ryan Allshouse - Drums, Percussion;
Caleb Murray - Upright Base
Influences
The members of Brother Down believe their purpose is to glorify God (with their gifts and talents) and to enjoy Him (daily and forevermore). According to founding band member Jordan Brownlee, He is a rich Father, owning and possessing His entire created world - both the visible and the invisible. Music is one of His invisible creations, yet the powerful effects of it are clearly evidenced in people and culture. Music is likely the most impactful of the arts as it is used in almost every facet of life. Brownlee further states, Pop music (in the general sense) has been said to be the catechism of the culture. This is most true in the western world where our youth looks and listens to music to learn about sex, relationships, attitudes, possessions, etc. Music is powerful. And we, who are believers and who have been given talents in music must consider the gravity of the calling we've been given.
Sounds Like
Review from Indieforce.com - "To The Black Land is not one of the best Indie projects Ive heard in years, this is one of the best projects PERIOD that I have heard."
Review from The Phantom Tollbooth - "Simply put this is the best independent album I've heard for a while."
Review from The Hillsdale Collegian - "The music almost defies description; it's a little bit of rock, a little bit of folk, a little bit of a Sunday afternoon worship jam session. The lyrics are intensely personal and yet totally relatable."
Review from xt3.com - "Their lyrics reach out to the listener with an air to teach, change and move them, with poetic words and rising harmonies, you can definitely feel the bands humility and passion for praise in a very different way to what youd think."
Hi Friends! Help us raise money for the Renos' adoption from Ethiopia by buying a Mission Threads t-shirt. We are asking for a $20.00 donation per shirt.
The shirts are brown with tan writing (see design below) and available in Men's S,M,L,XL,XXL and Women's S,M,L,XL. Women's sizes are a thinner cut with shorter sleeves.
Click the "Add to Cart" button to pay with a credit card or visit the Renos' blog teamrenoadoption.blogspot.com/ for more info.
Plans for a BrotherDown concert benefiting the Renos' adoption are also in the works. We are thinking sometime in February, in the Santa Cruz area. Stay tuned for more info.
I would have to agree with Abby that it is quite sad. Patrick and I would love to come down to see you guys play. Let us know when you are planning a little somethin' somethin'. :)
attention chris reno!! hope you are well. i need to talk to you bro...about some music. hoping to book a gig in your area and i need some help. who knows, maybe we can even play together. let's chat dude. email me: andywhite7@gmail.com
click the pic to hear the band i'm headed north with....
I thought you might find this story ammusing, here it goes.....so the other day my phone rings at 7:30 AM and I see that it is dad. Being that 7:30 AM is early for someone who always works late, I decided to ignore the call. Then I see that he left a voicemail and I thought to myself, "Maybe I should listen to it cause it might be important, seeing as how he called me so early." So I listen to it and he says, "Hi Em, just wanted to call and wish you a happy "National Tap Dancing Day." I love you." And that was it.....I was so confused, and then when I woke up later I started cracking up! I love how dad does random things some times....so funny! Hope you enjoyed that as much as I did. See you monday!
Wow, Brother Down has a MySpace! The fact that I did not know that, and the fact that it doesn't entirely suprise me, is amusing. How's everyone doing?
you guys have a sound that reminds me of something between the paperboys and justin mcroberts, yet you make it all your own. loved seeing chris and jordan live in moscow a few weeks ago; would love to see more.
So I'm thinking that if BroDown is ever all together in the same town at the same time...you guys need to do a massive concert, like the CD release concert X5, seriously. I've been having BD concert withdrawls.
Two of my favorite BD concert memories:
*Jordan busting out with Eye of the Tiger in his sweet orange Oakleys
*The concert starting and the band not knowing where Chris and Jordan were and you guys busting in on Razor scooters "No man, you go on without me..."
Brother Down. Love it. It's been awhile, but I'm stoked to see ya'll on here, and to hear that you're still doing the music scene. You guys really are talented musicians and song writers, and I'm not just saying that because once upon a time Mr. Reno and I were teachers together. Peace. cara:)
Does Rotts know that you guys are on here? he's given me a lot of slack for being a myspacer, but i'm glad you guys are on here so I can keep in touch with you guys and your music. Love song ..1 from the cd I bought from rotts. take care fellas and keep spreading the good news to those around yoU!
Brother (as in, my brother, not brother down...haha), anyway, just wanted to let you know that Andy White is on myspace....actually it's his band. I think you can find them under "Good Times Studio" Crazy stuff! I'm writing a paper and procrastinating at the same time...yeah for me!
Love,
Sister (or "The Shmoe"....it just wouldn't be right if I didn't use that name)
