Coleman & Brown

Coleman and Brown are a Chicago based song writing and production team. This duo hails from the windy cityÕs world famous soul scene that produced such powerhouse acts as Curtis Mayfield, Chaka Khan and countless other acts that still enjoy a huge fan base and remain on the touring circuit.

Saxophonist and vocalist Morris Cortez Brown has played with such notable musicians as Oscar Brown Jr. and internationally acclaimed keyboardist Khalid Yasin (a.k.a Larry Young). Khalid performs on the albums of artists such as Miles Davis ('Bitches Brew') and Carlos Santana, as well as his own. Brown also played sax on recording sessions with Earth, Wind and Fire's horn section on singles by R&B funk band and Atlantic (Cotillion) and Curtom (Gemigo) Records recording artists, Rasputin's Stash. Brown later became a member of 'Stash', where he and Coleman began their music association.

The other and more experienced half of Crystal Winds, Paul Coleman, began his music career as the lead singer and pianist for the funk Ð rock show band The Epics (Taurus records) with regional hits, 'Fun and Funk Part 1',and,'I Won't Forget You Brother'. After his time with the Epics, Paul performed as lead singer/keyboardist/song writer for twelve years with Rasputin's Stash. While with 'Stash', Paul toured with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, Bobby Bluebland, James Brown and many other notable acts. Paul also worked as the piano player and back-up singer for ex-Temptation David Ruffin (Mr. 'My Girl').

Eventually, Coleman and Brown formed their own recording group, Crystal Winds. Their first release, 'First Flight' (Cash Ear Records) has been hailed as one of the last great soul albums to come out of Chicago. This album was critically acclaimed by Chicago's inner circle of decision makers and musicians. Two of the songs enjoyed air play in regular rotation on such powerhouse Chicago radio stations as WGCI and WBMX (now V-103) as-well-as WHPK, WKKC and other Mid-West stations. One of the songs, 'The Signs of Winter's Time', became a Christmas season classic and played on stations WGCI and WBMX for ten Christmas seasons. Brown and Coleman also appeared on B.E.T.'s, 'Original Video Soul' for an interview with host Virgil Hemphill. Through internet exposure, 'First Flight' has been enjoyed and acclaimed worldwide from Asia to Europe and especially in the UK and France for over a decade. Prices for this collectors LP have been spotted on web-sites over the years ranging between $25-$95 per unit.

After 3 years, Coleman and Brown, because of some dramatic circumstances concerning the business end of the group, disbanded Crystal Winds. Paul began working the 'jobbing set' with some of the Chicago area's most prestigious society orchestras as lead singer, including his own unit, 'The Paul Coleman Orchestra'. His reputation grew until he became known as the best in his field in the Midwest; a reputation he enjoys today. Brown pursued a career as a high school teacher with the Chicago Board of Education that spanned years and also included coaching .He used his interactions with youth as an inspiration and a way to stay in-step with today's sound as evidenced by some of the tunes he composed during his free time while teaching. Having recently returned to a diligent studio schedule, this classic Soul duo has developed a sound that bridges what is currently happening on the Adult Contemporary R&B scene with the melodic sounds of today's R&B and that of the soulful '70s. The duo has had some of their R&B/JAZZ Ð influenced instrumental recordings (Vol.2 and Vol.3) picked up by cable television's, 'The Weather Channel, 'for use as background music during broadcasts. This album,' Beautiful: The Return Flight,' includes stepper's cuts like, 'Lovers In Motion' and 'Tonight' and gospel-tinged, 'I Need Huggin', which also features a disco remix by engineer and industry legend Jim Godsey. The smooth vocals and rich harmonies of, ' When the Search Is Over', encompasses a powerful message that lovers can definitely relate to.

Crystal Winds is back; refreshed, excited, and ready to treat you to some of the finest music possible! ...Enjoy.

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