Marion Brown Memorial Broadcast

Alto-saxophonist, composer, improviser, author, visual artist Marion Brown passed away on Monday, October 18, 2010 at the age of 79. One of the most radical but romantic of free improvisers, Marion Brown was an under-sung hero of the jazz avant-garde. Hailing from Atlanta, Brown arrived in New York in 1962. In 1965, he made his recording debut on Archie Shepp’s album Fire Music, and appeared on John Coltrane’s essential album, Ascension. In the late 1960s, Brown went abroad and began a fruitful working relationship with Gunter Hampel, which continued throughout the 1970s and into the 1980s. In 1970, he returned to United States and began his association with Wadada Leo Smith, which gave rise to the concepts behind some of his most groundbreaking work for ECM and ABC Impulse. In 1976, Brown earned his Master’s degree from Wesleyan University in ethnomusicology. Brown was a published author and visual artist and a professor at Bowdoin College, Amherst College, Wesleyan University, Brandeis University, and Colby College. Tune in now for the music of Marion Brown continuing through 9:30am Wednesday October 20.