Clifford Brown

Clifford Brown on vinyl: the trumpeter who left too soon

In short: Clifford Brown (1930–1956) from Wilmington, Delaware, was one of the greatest trumpeters of hard bop – with a warm, round tone and breathtaking technique. With drummer Max Roach he led a legendary quintet before he died in a car accident in 1956, aged only 25. The Vinyl Room currently has 5 Clifford Brown records.

What makes Clifford Brown special?

In just a few years he left recordings that trumpeters still study today, and tunes such as “Joy Spring” and “Daahoud”. The “Memorial Album” on Blue Note and “Clifford Brown In Paris” capture his 1953 sessions, and “Jazz Immortal” shows him in Los Angeles in 1954 with saxophonist Zoot Sims.

“3 Giants!” brings him together with Sonny Rollins and Max Roach; “Alternate Takes” collects other versions from his Blue Note sessions.

From our stock

First pressings

Records by Clifford Brown

→ Max Roach · Sonny Rollins · Hard bop · Blue Note

FAQ

How old was Clifford Brown when he died? 25; he died in a car accident in 1956.

Which tunes did he write? Among others “Joy Spring” and “Daahoud”.

What is “I Remember Clifford”? A ballad Benny Golson wrote for him after Brown’s death.

Which records do you have? Editions from the sixties to the eighties – 5 records in all.