Reviews

As pianist/keyboardist Burt Brion’s sophomore release’s title states, The Secret’s Out. Here comes smooth jazz with strength, sophistication, substance, finesse, and sass. Yep, the secret is indeed out now. San Diego can no longer claim this pianist all for itself.
With soulful, captivating compositions guaranteed to capture even the most casual listener, Brion lays it on thick and heavy here.
With a very competent set of support musicians along for the ride (longtime saxman Jason Weber being one of them), Brion lets the groove fly and touch all within earshot.
Kicking it all off with the hot and funky title track, it becomes harder and harder to move away from this recording, so alluring is its quality.
He follows that get-atcha title track with the cool and persuasive “Back in the Game,” a nicely polished version of Earth, Wind & Fire’s classic “Fantasy,” a deliberate and sweetly mellow piano dance on “Captured in Time,” and the sun-filled island gem “Tahiti” that’s certainly going to move a lot of feet and hips with its infectious rhythm (being a huge melody man, I must say that this one immediately received my “fave” award for this album). Others follow, including “Bbb” for you piano, horn, and classical music aspirants and “Prayers At Bedtime” for you solo piano fans. Impressive vocals by Brion on the latter, as well.
A solid effort that opens the door of promise for more from this pianist. Give this one a listen and absorb it for effect.
Ronald Jackson
With soulful, captivating compositions guaranteed to capture even the most casual listener, Brion lays it on thick and heavy here.
With a very competent set of support musicians along for the ride (longtime saxman Jason Weber being one of them), Brion lets the groove fly and touch all within earshot.
Kicking it all off with the hot and funky title track, it becomes harder and harder to move away from this recording, so alluring is its quality.
He follows that get-atcha title track with the cool and persuasive “Back in the Game,” a nicely polished version of Earth, Wind & Fire’s classic “Fantasy,” a deliberate and sweetly mellow piano dance on “Captured in Time,” and the sun-filled island gem “Tahiti” that’s certainly going to move a lot of feet and hips with its infectious rhythm (being a huge melody man, I must say that this one immediately received my “fave” award for this album). Others follow, including “Bbb” for you piano, horn, and classical music aspirants and “Prayers At Bedtime” for you solo piano fans. Impressive vocals by Brion on the latter, as well.
A solid effort that opens the door of promise for more from this pianist. Give this one a listen and absorb it for effect.
Ronald Jackson
“Your CD is one of the few which is as entertaining to listen to as it is to see performed “live", thanks for the opportunity!”
Bill Griffith -San Diego News Anchor - KGTV News Channel 10
“More recently, Brion's star has continued to rise with Say The Word gaining ever-increasing exposure and airplay. From that effort, we have the lead track highlighted by Burt's superb piano playing and the snappy scatting of Deborah Flores!! CD: Say The Word Label: Mister B Records ”
jazz lynx - Cafe Jazz Radio
“We have attended Burt Brion’s performances a couple of times at Humphreys by the Bay. Each time I am pleasantly surprised at how much entertainment I get. It is a high energy show with keyboard excellence and he has a supporting cast of San Diego’s finest musicians. My husband and I try to go to the shows as often as possible. ”
Noreen Ippolito - clear channel
“Burt Brion's show is high energy, entertaining and musically excellent!”
Noreen Ippollito - Clear Channel Radio
“The track-"Let's get it going"- grooves great and features some really hooky lines and a superb scat vocal.I think sounds potentially quite viable for Wave radio formats. Nice interplay between sax, piano and organ: the gospel licks give the piece a more distinctive vibe”
TAXI
“Burt Brion is an artist who deserves to be heard”
Smooth Jazz Therapy
“This is good stuff...totally in the Smooth Jazz groove, and very well-performed and produced. (Check out "Let's Get it Going" and "Sunrise Serenade" as signature Brion), and totally compatible with the Smooth Jazz format.....”
Scott Obrien - SmoothJazz.com
Bill Griffith -San Diego News Anchor - KGTV News Channel 10
“More recently, Brion's star has continued to rise with Say The Word gaining ever-increasing exposure and airplay. From that effort, we have the lead track highlighted by Burt's superb piano playing and the snappy scatting of Deborah Flores!! CD: Say The Word Label: Mister B Records ”
jazz lynx - Cafe Jazz Radio
“We have attended Burt Brion’s performances a couple of times at Humphreys by the Bay. Each time I am pleasantly surprised at how much entertainment I get. It is a high energy show with keyboard excellence and he has a supporting cast of San Diego’s finest musicians. My husband and I try to go to the shows as often as possible. ”
Noreen Ippolito - clear channel
“Burt Brion's show is high energy, entertaining and musically excellent!”
Noreen Ippollito - Clear Channel Radio
“The track-"Let's get it going"- grooves great and features some really hooky lines and a superb scat vocal.I think sounds potentially quite viable for Wave radio formats. Nice interplay between sax, piano and organ: the gospel licks give the piece a more distinctive vibe”
TAXI
“Burt Brion is an artist who deserves to be heard”
Smooth Jazz Therapy
“This is good stuff...totally in the Smooth Jazz groove, and very well-performed and produced. (Check out "Let's Get it Going" and "Sunrise Serenade" as signature Brion), and totally compatible with the Smooth Jazz format.....”
Scott Obrien - SmoothJazz.com
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Burt's Latest Album
The Secret's Out
Contemporary Jazz Pianist Burt Brion draws his composition inspiration from his long time musical heroes- Pianist Dave Grusin, and Keyboard/Vocalists icons-Elton John and Billy Joel.
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Burt's Debut Album
Say The Word
In his debut original contemporary jazz project, Burt Brion uniquely blends keyboard driven instrumentation with adult contemporary vocals giving listeners a variety of ear catching hooks to remember.
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