A native of Wilmington, Delaware, jazz trumpeter Clifford Brown made an outstanding and influential contribution to music. In an era when many musicians were emulating Charlie Parker’s drug abuse, Brown inspired others to achieve greatness while living a clean life. Ironically, he was killed in a car accident at the age of 25.
This feature-length documentary presents a richly detailed account of Brown’s life, and examines his historical importance in the context of three criteria–innovation, influence, and individuality.
Featuring interviews with:
Benny Golson
Lou Donaldson
Jimmy Heath
Donald Byrd
Harold Land
Wynton Marsalis
Arturo Sandoval
Clifford Solomon
Herb Geller
Clora Bryant
Vance Wilson
LaRue Brown Watson
Bonus Materials:
Interview outtakes
A message from Clifford Brown, Jr.
Extensive notes by the director
A GREAT FILM ABOUT A GREAT MAN...
"I did see Brownie Speaks and I thought it was wonderful. It’s really great. Very, very touching, very moving...a terrific job. I just wish it could have wide, wide distribution...
A great film about a great man! Thanks for making it...really, really wonderful."
Sonny Rollins
"Brownie Speaks is a must see. He said so much musically in a short life time. Amazing!"
Jimmy Heath
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Very proud of the job you all did. Long time coming but an amazing view of my Dads life & music."
Clifford Brown Jr.
"This thoroughly researched and fascinating documentary about legendary jazz trumpeter Clifford Brown reveals the full scope of the man and his music through extensive interviews, recordings, photos, and both new and archival film and video footage... The heartfelt sincerity of "Brownie Speaks" along with its devotion to historical accuracy and detail earn it a five-star rating and a secure place as an important telling of jazz history... A ground-breaking documentary."
Victor L. Schermer, All About Jazz
"It is the best video biography of a leading jazz musician I have seen and essential for Brownie’s many admirers and others who want to know more about him."
Bob Weir, Jazz Journal: March 2015
Incredible documentary film...so moving, uplifting, inspirational. Beautifully done!! Thank you, thank you, thank you, for this great blessing!”
John Patitucci
Check out this interview with Don Glanden, author of this documentary.
