Harry Brown Junior
Wynton says jazz is like democracy. I’d like to propose that jazz is also – and in many ways – a lot like Harry Brown.
Obituary
Immersed in the culture, connected to generations of tradition, a mixture or perhaps a juxtaposition of the sacred and the secular, Harry was equally at home and alive at the Saturday night jump-up as the Sunday morning service. He always brought his joyous and illuminating spirit to both. He loved his family and his Jamaican heritage, but Harry was no “I love people who look like me” merchant. He warmly embraced people from all backgrounds regardless and met them where they were. It was rare to visit a city anywhere in the world where someone didn’t know Harry Brown and if we did, by the time we got on the flight home somebody would have made friends with him.
He was keenly interested in people as individuals, but also in ideas: he explained Hegel and the Trinity to me once, on a tour bus, and it was thoroughly absorbing. When you spoke with him, he listened. He looked at you and connected wuth his heart. I never heard Harry use foul langauge and I never heard him say a bad word about anyone. In an industry that can be ruthless and fickle, full of egotism and careerists, Harry was a rarity: his friendship was genuine caring and unwavering.
He conducted himself professionally with integrity and dignity. He never seemed to get flustered, and he gained the respect and popularity which enabled him to build the musical career he had dreamed of.
From the Pentecostal church he grew up in and which remained important to him always, to Orchestral playing, Shows, studies at RAM and Cambridge, time performing with NYJO and countless studio sessions, to the Jazz and Reggae he devoted himself to, Harry was a highly skilled and conscientous colleague. He listened, absorbed, and loved music.
Harry was one of the very few true friends I have from music – through thick and thin. He was a devout Christian and walked the walk. He took you for who you are, saw the good, and was always there to give guidance or practical support.
Harry was gentle and jovial, but he was not naive. He knew how to “play fool fi ketch wise” and on the occasions where he was being taken advantage of or not being given the credit or recompense he deserved from the people who he was most deserving of receiving it from, he still showed up, loyal, not bitter or sullen, and he gave 100%.
Harry could say things to people few would get away with. His warmth and playfulness was always there. You could see it in his face and hear it in his voice. And of course his trombone playing was imbued with his soulful spirit.
I spent so much time with him over the years, professionally and socially, on stage and at family events. He blessed the table at my wedding and always showed care and concern for his friends whether it was reciprocated or not.
Oh, and he was a poet. Although many folk would not know it because there were only a select few to whom he’d show it. Jason Yarde and I would regularly be regaled with his latest work and although my interest has waned in recent years, I will recall his verses with fondness always.
Harry Brown aka ‘Conqueror’, my dear friend, our friend, our brother, who we love so much and know you love us, until we meet again.
Sean Corby
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My dear friend. This loss is huge. Praying for you.
I was always a little more nervous on stage when I knew you and Chrissie were in the audience, as much as I appreciated the years of support. Your Tallent your warmth and wisdom was always intimidating. I was miss you cuz, if only the impromptu chats as we passed each other on the road, they always left me smiling. My family and I are hurting, to soon, to young. I know God must have needed you more than us but I still need time to understand. Rest my Brother, rest in eternal peace.
But I’m also grateful. Grateful that our paths crossed. Grateful for every conversation, every piece of music, every invitation, every little moment that I probably didn’t realize I’d one day hold so close. You were family to me. And you’ll always be a part of my story.
I hope you knew how much I looked up to you. I hope you knew how much your presence meant to me. Rest well, my brother. Love always.
‘Lovely Harry’
He was kind and thoughtful and had time for everyone. When my mum was sick he would check in now and then unprompted to see how I was doing.
Coincidentally Harry played in my Grandads big band when he was a teenager and we’d love reminiscing about this together. He was a fantastic player but more importantly a fantastic person.
God bless Harry-
Love Sophie xxxx
May Harry Continue To R.E.I.P 🙏🏿
As so many have said already and many more will continue to say, you were by my side every day. Whether it was a quick check-in or a long, deep and meaningful thought process, or just sharing a funny moment, you were the one that was there for me at any point.
Sometimes turning up when I may have needed it most but not expecting it and that meant more than anything. Other times it was just a knowing phone call or message.
I will value every day that you were by my side.
There is now a huge Harry sized hole in my life that I am having to come to terms with and I am not quite sure how, but I know you will contonue to be my guardian angel from above.
You are now at peace with the God you trust and joining your family and friends who went before.
Thank you for your integrity and loyalty, your laughs and cheeky smiles, the beautiful music and so much love.
May God keep you shining and guiding us all Harry. I will never forget you.
Love for ever.
Lucy x
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