Damon Brown

Born on 24 December 1965 in Manchester, Lancashire, England, the trumpeter studied at London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Although jazz forms the core of his approach, his listening habits and recorded output reveal equal familiarity with classical repertoire, pop structures, contemporary dance rhythms, reggae, and soul. Over the years he has collaborated and toured internationally with Prince Buster, Desmond Dekker, Maxi Priest, Push, trombonist Rico Rodriguez, and Paul Weller. His phrasing frequently recalls the hard-bop lineage, yet he consistently warms and loosens the style with fluid lines that depart from convention and reward close listening. The same thoughtful invention allows him to uncover unexpected emotional layers, particularly when he switches to flügelhorn; the instrument’s gentler timbre matches his reflective handling of ballads. By weaving these varied sources into fresh, accessible pieces that resist easy classification, he produces music both original and engaging. As a composer he contributes the majority of the material he performs. In 2002 he led his International Quintet, featuring American pianist Bruce Barth, British bassist Mark Hodgson, Irish drummer Stephen Keogh, and Spanish saxophonist Perico Sambeat. He also maintains an ongoing partnership with saxophonist Ed Jones in the group Killer Shrimp.