Lawrence Brown

Lawrence Brown was a key member of Duke Ellington's band, but he was never a breakout star. During the 1950s, Brown spent a number of years as a group leader and cut this 1955 set with master arranger Ralph Burns (who tips his hat to Duke's with his use of subtle tonal backings). Jazz modernists Hank Jones and Al Cohn are on board, but this really is Lawrence Brown's show. He makes the most of it.