"It's a killer band.."

These were the excited observations of our reporter in New York City who witnessed history on this summer solstice evening as our boy (a boy now longer actually...) made his world debut as drummer with the Mingus Big Band. Jaimeo, now 23, began his career seven years ago with his father bassist Dartanyan Brown.at Harry Denton's in San Francisco. By taking over the drum chair once held by the legendary Danny Richmond, 'Mayo' stepped over the threshold into Jazz History--just as his father did at 23 playing and recording with Woody Herman alumnus Bill Chase.More than just a memorial effort, The Mingus band is a hothouse for some of New York's most distinctive artists, both veterans and TDWR's.

Thursday's gig in Manhattan, at the Fez room within The Time Cafe ,was important because it signals the emergence of Jaimeo Brown as a rising star on the NYC (and hence, the world) Jazz scene. After beginning his career in the San Francisco Bay area with his parents and heavy family friends like Carlos Santana, John Santos, and Bobby Hutcherson, Jaimeo came East to study with Rufus Reid and David Dempsey at William Paterson University, where he graduated cum laude last month with a degree in Jazz Studies and Performance.

According to our East coast bureau chief Don Brown, the Mingus show featured, "A good band hot players, great charts and a full house and it was on. Him[Jaimeo] and Randy [Brecker] definitely had super communication goin' on. He had all the stuff in the right places."

Commenting further on Jaimeo's performance: "{he was}making the changes and doing whatever they ask him to do. He was right on point the [Trombone] player was giving him pointers too. Having a good time."

"To see him driving the band like that for the first time was infuckingcredible", said one excited girl and a member of the fervent and growing legion on mayofans.

Sorry about the incomplete personnel listing at this time, we'll try to update it in the next few hours. At this time, we know the band did include John Stubblefield, Vincent Herring, Randy Brecker, Ronnie Cuber, Musical Director Alex Foster (shout outs to Al from the Chico Hamilton day's '73-4)

Percussionist Extraordinare Jaimeo Brown with his Grandfather Ellsworth Brown (which is which, you ask??) as they enter the Village Vanguard for a show. Ellsworth is a composer, pianist, teacher who has collaborated with Roy Eldridge, Reggie Workman, Cab Calloway, Chick Corea, and many others over his 40-year career.

Next time you're in NYC and hear about the Mingus Big Band at:

Time Cafe

380 Lafayette St

New York, NY 10003-6933

Phone: (212)533-7000

Don't ask, just get there.

jaimeobrown.com coming soon.