Justin Brown, an Oakland native, plays jazz with a universality that has made him one the most active players in New York City. He cuts records and performs with Chris Dingman and Gerald Clayton, Ambrose Akinmusire and Kenny Garrett. Brown is a quick-witted, responsive drummer that can be difficult to pin down. Brown’s forward-moving style is reminiscent of Tony Williams and J Dilla, but there are no particular camps or eras that he fits into. Brown started drumming at the age of two. He then joined UC Berkeley’s Young Musicians Program for a few summers. He was awarded a full scholarship at the Dave Brubeck Institute in 2002. Two years later, he was granted a scholarship to Juilliard. Brown decided to quit school after arriving in New York and joined the circuit. Biophiliarecords.com
