Jonathan Miles Brown

Jonathan started his musical career as a chorister in the choir of Truro Cathedral, UK where in addition to singing at services, concerts and broadcasts he gave several solo recitals around the South West of the UK. At university he took up the electric bass, imparting his “singing” to the instrument.  Subsequently he performed with a wide range of jazz artists in formats including UK and European jazz festivals, BBC broadcasts, and venues such as the National Theatre, London and Ronnie Scott’s jazz club.

These days, when he’s not running various biotechnology projects, he can be found in venues in the DC area such as Twins and 49 West. He is a frequent performer at the annual Maryland Summer Jazz festival and has been a regular member of the “workshops” run by Annapolis-based saxophone star Jeff Antoniuk. Jonathan’s instrument is a Jazz Bass, originally hand built by Leo Fender, which he has ultra-customized by removing the frets, re-siting the bridge and adding numerous self-designed features and circuits.  The result is a wide range of sounds, from woody warmth to metallic brilliance, with glittering harmonics and large dynamic range.  Commented the Baltimore Sun: “The warm sound Brown produces is like no other I’ve heard.”