Chicago native Ward Brown aka (BROWN’S BAG) is a Soul/R&B recording artist that released 4 CD’s (Labor of Love, Soul Satisfied, Without Question EP and Where I Should Be). At 8 years old Ward’s main influences was his older brothers one a (Keyboard Player/Singer) the other a (Bass Player/Singer) whom convinced him to learn drums and play with the family band. Drums seemed to be a natural extension and Ward learned very fast and was hooked and that is where his journey begun.
Growing up living next door to blues icon Muddy Waters, the talented musician started out on the South Side of Chicago as a drummer, which led to songwriting and ultimately honed his talents as a singer.
“I first started playing drums with my family as well as local bands,” Brown said, noting that that lead to session work in studios throughout the Chicago area. “Somehow I started learning guitar and writing songs with a Chicago record company, which led to me singing,” he says.
Those experiences led to opening a commercial 24-track recording studio “Early Park LTD”, which allowed Brown to work with people like Al Hudson and One Way, Pop Staples and others.
With production skills growing he decided to release two albums –– Labor of Love and Soul Satisfied –– fronting his band BROWN’S BAG and both were acclaimed by the soul cognoscenti says “Soul and Jazz and Funk” Bill Buckley which found success in Europe, which in turn led to association and absolute friendship with Raymond Earl of MFSB/Instant Funk,” Brown says.
The re-launching of Early Park Entertainment has brought two music business geniuses together: Raymond Earl and Ward Brown. Raymond Earl, President and CEO was a founding member of the soul, funk and R&B group Instant Funk. Their hit song, “Got My Mind Made Up”, gained worldwide fame for the group. He was also the group’s bass player and songwriter.
On another note, Instant Funk’s rhythm section was acted as MSFB’s rhythm section. The band played on most of Philly International’s, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff’s, hits songs during that time. Earl is also writing, producing and performing on the Browns Bag, featuring Ward Brown and the “Where I Should Be” project.
Raymond Earl, President and CEO of Early Park Entertainment, with recording studios and offices in Philadelphia and Chicago, Ill., announced today a re-launch of the company.
Early Park was formed in 2003 by recording artist Ward Brown and has continuously evolved since 2005. In November 2008 the label signed the world renowned Urban, Urban AC and Soul group, Brown’s Bag, featuring Ward Brown. The first single, “Last Call”, was released on December 2. It’s backed with, “You’re All I Need”, which features guest R&B recording artist Shantel. Both songs have received tremendous club, radio and media response.
The full-length compact disc titled, “Where I Should Be”, is slated forWard Brown is the vocalist /singer and songwriter and the two are partners with the company. During 2005 Brown’s Bag featuring Ward Brown had three European full-length compact disc releases: 2005 Labor of Love, 2006 This is Soul Compilation and 2007 Soul Satisfied, all which topped international radio, club and charts along with a host of media interviews.
Raymond Earl said, “Our focus is to make the label a giant within the music industry. We have a catalog of forthcoming hits, which will include a new Instant Funk project and some other interesting surprises. So, keep your ears perked up and listen out for Early Park in 2011.”
In the past few weeks Brown’s Bag featuring Ward Brown has been on a non-stop promotional tour and creating a phenomenal club, radio and media chain reaction among their fans. The group visits Rich City Skate for a fun skate and networking meet and greet party. They had a special invite from Step North Entertainment to stop by Bill’s Blues Bar in Chicago.
Their performance was streamed live over the Internet on the StepNorth.com website. As special guests for Kenny Bedford, who hosted an Obama Steppin’ Victory Party honoring Emil Jones, Illinois Senate President and many other dignitaries, the group performed their new songs.