It's hard to separate Maggie Brown from her father, Oscar Brown, Jr. And why would anyone want to. This daughter of the legendary lyricist and performer inherited all the old man's finest qualities- the voice, the mannerisms, the spirit, and the theatricality. It is true- the fruit didn't fall far from the tree. But anyone who has experienced Maggie Brown in performance has been witness to a consummate artist with enough polish and star qualities to cast off any shadows that go along with following in Dad's footsteps.
Maggie's got her own style. With a 4-octave range, she has the ability to do more than just sing a song or deliver a lyric. She embodies every note, drawing from its deepest meaning with pure joie de vivre. When she performs, you feel it. The Chicago native made her professional acting and singing debut at the Body Politic Theatre. She studied music, theater and voice at Columbia College Chicago and has since taken her polished vocal style on the road.
In 1991, Maggie began touring both locally and nationally in her dynamic one-woman-show, LEGACY: Our Wealth of Music. LEGACY is a lively and engaging musical demonstration/lecture about the history and evolution of African-American music.
In 1998, an appearance at the Schomberg Library Center in concert with her father afforded Maggie exposure to singer/songwriter Abbey Lincoln. After witnessing Maggie's performance, Ms Lincoln proclaimed her "a great performer," and invited Maggie to perform two duets on her Wholly Earth CD, released January 1999 on the Verve label. She may also be heard in duet with Jonathan Butler on the Urban Knights II CD.
With a repertoire that finds Maggie performing in venues as diverse as the House of Blues, the Old Towne School of Folk Music, Ravinia Jazz Festival, the world renown Chicago Jazz Festival and Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center, she defies definition. Nationally she's performed at New York's Blue Note with Abbey Lincoln on two separate occassions, at Zanzibar Blue in Philadelphia, Razzels in Denver and at the Woodruf Arts Center in Atlanta, among others.
In 1995, Maggie launched her own independent label, Mag Pie Records. Her debut recording, From My Window, was nominated for a Chicago Music Award (CMA) for Best Jazz CD. The following year she was again nominated, this time for Best Jazz Performer.
Offstage, Maggie consulted in the development of the Chicago House of Blues' Blues Schoolhouse student outreach program, was consultant and artist-in-residence in The Ravinia Festival's Education Department, and worked with Columbia College Chicago's music department to develop an innovative topics course on the study of popular music and culture.
Currently, Maggie is promoting a documentary film ("Music Is My Life, Politics My Mistress: The Oscar Brown, Jr. Story"), and a live concert recording which she produced at HotHouse in Chicago. The CD entitled "We're Live" is the second release from Mag Pie records (2002) and the first recording of Maggie and her father. This historic concert recording is now more precious than ever, as it would become the last recording of Oscar Brown, Jr. before his death May 29, 2005.
The good news is that with Maggie Brown, the melody not only lingers on, but it's getting louder.
We are very excited about playing at such an awesome jazz club. We have some great sets lined up for you, so don't miss it. Friday and Saturday November 20th and 21st, 5:00-8:30p at Andy's Jazz Club in Chicago
Aaron Koppel -Guitar, Matt Nelson; (Lupe Fiasco, Matthew Santos) -Keyboard, Graham Czach; (Chicago Afrobeat Project) -bass, Robert Tucker (Matthew Santos) -drums
ARC AND HUE will also be available at the Chicago book parties:
10/1, 8:30 p.m. Katerina’s, 1920 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60613
10/2, 8 p.m. The Silver Room, 1442 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60642
Hey Maggie, Blessings. I was just talking to Theresa "Tee" Davis. It may not be your thing, but if interested I'm promoting a Bell Biv DeVoe/Mint Condition concert for the 16th. Let me know and I'll take care of you. Least I can do.
Maggie, Check this out The Aaron Koppel Organ FuNk Trio performing the music of Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Soulive, Michael Jackson, and original funk music.
Maggie looking at your face brings back such fond memories of my youth being a part of your family's history and working with your dad gave me insight and a wealth of knowledge to move in the direction my life has taken the young soldier in "summer in the city" rubber band in" big tine buck white" i would'nt be where i am today if it were'nt for oscar i send u my love gavin
First time I heard Feather I was singing for a play with Tee. They played it during intermission. And I was like who is that? Plus I could have sworn I heard Tee on background. She told me that it was you. And yes it was her doing background. Keep in mind this had to be at least 3 years ago. I have been wanting to add that song to my profile and I was final successful. You are a phenomenal talent. Thank you for the generosity of your time and talent.
Hey Ms. Brown. how art thou? Just checkin in on u. Did u hear about Abbie and Hank Jones n the hospital 2gether? Its a great story. N e way. Hope all is well. Until we c each other again. Take care.
I love the strength and clarity of your voice. What a gift you are, and thanks for adding me as a friend. Best wishes in all your adventures, live fearless and follow your bliss,
Shelly
Thank you for the add, Ms. Brown! it is an honor to be in your friends list. You sound wonderful! All the best wishes to you with your music career! Hope to meet you one day! Peace and Blessings!
