George HaffendenThe story of R&B singer, songwriter, and guitarist Eban Brown is a pretty incredible one, but one that most people probably haven’t heard or read about. As with many great talents, Brown started his musical journey early on in life, singing in gospel groups from when he was just seven years old. As time went by Brown developed his song-writing ability, as well as learning how to play guitar, listening to his idols such as Wes Montgomery and George Benson. His singing career would take of in 1991 when he was asked to join the Ray, Goodman & Brown band as a guitarist, but instead he took over vocals in the group, remaining with the group before being recruited to sing with a reformed version of the Manhattans, performing alongside original members Blue Lovett and Gerald Alston. Brown’s career then took another turn when he was asked to join Wilbert Hart’s version of The Delfonics, this time to handle lead vocals (The Delfonics history is complex and sad, but at the crux of the matter is the falling out between lead singer William Hart, and his brother Wilbert Hart – they both now have their won groups called ‘The Delfonics’, causing confusion and sadness amongst fans).
At the same time this was all going on, things were taking a turn for the worst amongst the remaining original members of the seventies soul super-group The Stylistics. Original members Herb Murrell and Airrion Love were becoming increasingly estranged with lead singer, the fabulous Russell Thompkins Jr. who quit the group in 2000 (to add to the confusion Thompkins, after taking a four year break, tours now as Russell Thompkins Jr. and the New Stylistics). As a replacement, Eban Brown was drafted in and remains with the group today, commanding the respect of the groups fans for not only his fine vocal ability, but also for his commitment to the role of lead singer of The Stylistics.
Nonetheless, when not touring with The Stylistics (who, incidentally, will be on their annual UK Tour this Autumn, dates here) Brown is a solo artist, writing and producing his material, and, of course, playing guitar. Last year he released his latest album Summertime in Tokyo, and now, just a few months after a few solo appearances here in the UK, he has released his latest single, the mighty fine ‘No Other Lover’. It’s a pretty decent single, featuring some tasty guitar work, as well as Brown’s brilliant vocal range. The lyric is catchy, and the song is produced nicely, featuring a pounding beat underneath a nice neo-soul groove. Fans of the current incarnation of The Stylistics won’t be surprised by the quality vocal that Brown delivers; his ability to switch from tenor into falsetto is impressive, as his lower range. All-in-all this is another good release from the man the classic groups have called on to sing with them; after all, there’s good reason why Brown has been the go-to-guy for several of these classic soul groups.