Classy Classical CD Review: The 5 Browns

The 5 Browns are rising stars in the music world, appealing not only to Classical Music fans but also to other music lovers as well. The group is made up of five siblings, all of which attended Julliard. On their latest CD, Browns in Blue, we get a chance to hear them in music ranging from classical to jazz. There's even a track with The 5 Browns playing along through the magic of technology with Dean Martin singing Everybody Loves Somebody. Yet my favorite tracks on this CD remain the ones with solo performances by the Browns. This includes a beautiful interpretation of Brahms' most famous Intermezzo by Melody and a wonderful performance of Chopin's Nocturne in C minor by Gregory. While the tracks that contain all 5 Browns playing are typically exciting and fresh, the Classical purist may be a bit offended. For instance, in the opening 18th Variation from Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by Rachmaninoff, the addition of glissandi and other excessive notes at times seems to obscure the beautiful melody that has made the work so famous. However, the excerpt of An American in Paris by Gershwin with Chris Botti on trumpet is not to be missed and one of the standout tracks on the disc. All in all, I fully recommend this CD as I quite enjoyed listening to it and I'm sure you will as well.