Artist Glimpse - Jeff Brown
/
“Downtown” Jeff Brown is the kind of guitarist who doesn’t need to chase the spotlight—he earns it quietly, through feel, tone, consistency, and connection. Whether on stage or in the studio, his playing elevates every artist he works with. You’ve likely heard his guitar lines woven into some of the strongest country and country-rock coming out of Canada. Jeff, is it down to earth humble musician who brings heart and authenticity to every moment, making him the kind of a guitarist everybody wants to have around and be around. His recent CMAO Best Musician win makes it clear: he’s building a legacy, one song at a time.
Photo AJ Astle
Rob Aguiar - Can you tell us about a few guitarists—famous or otherwise—who shaped your style or inspired your approach early on?
Jeff Brown - Classic rock and metal from the 70s and 80s first inspired me to pick up the guitar, players such as Randy Rhoads and Slash were my early heroes. Once I discovered Brian Setzer from the Stray Cats and Vince Gill, my world was turned upside down. They’re both a mixed bag and can fluently play and borrow techniques from all kinds of styles, very versatile yet still when you hear them play, they have their sound and you know it’s them. That’s when I thought “Vince and Brian are like country, blues, rock, jazz, swing, all in one, I want to do that”.
“There will always be someone better than you. Let it inspire you. Go learn from the people better than you. ”
RA -As a lifelong student of the guitar, are there any iconic riffs or solos—from any genre or era—that still give you chills? Would you be up for putting together a short medley of a few favorites for us?
JB - From the rock world, anything from Kiss, Zeppelin, Sabbath, GN’R. That era had so many great riffs, the opening riff from Kiss’ “Detroit Rock City” or Black Sabbath's “Paranoid” just pull you in right away effortlessly. Slash’s guitar work could at times be more powerful than the vocals and lyrics at times. His solos on “Knocking On Heaven’s Door” were so melodic and full of emotion. I always loved Randy Rhoads solo on “Mr. Crowley” which was just a work horse all over the neck of the guitar. When it comes to country and chicken pickin’, Vince Grill on Oklahoma Borderline stopped me in my tracks, as well as Brent Mason’s solo on Alan Jackson’s “Don’t Even Know Her Name.”
RA - Is there a particular guitar in your collection that feels like home in your hands? Tell us the story behind it.
JB - You’ll typically see me playing my 1978 Fender Telecaster. I can do just about anything or any gig on that guitar. It just has a feel and tone that is so expressive and it plays itself. I bought it in Nashville when I was probably 21 or 22. I picked this guitar and probably played it for over two hours. I had to have this guitar so I paid what I could on this and then had to put the rest on my singer-songwriter friend Angela Siracusa’s credit card. I paid her back in the next few gigs we had. The way I see it, it paid for itself.
Originally the fretboard had a vintage radius of 7.25”, I had the neck modified to 9.5” with narrow and tall frets so it would play more modern. The bridge was originally a 6 saddle and I changed that to a Wilkinson adjustable compensated 3 saddle. This gives me the brightness, tone and attack of having three brass saddles without having to sacrifice any intonation.
The pickups have changed so many times over the years but currently I have Fender Custom Shop 51’ Nocaster pickups. They’re very well rounded from sparkly highs that give you that cut but the perfect blend of low end to make the tone full and warm.
Photo AJ Astle
RA- There was a career sense of humility in your CMAO award acceptance speech, but at the same time, it feels like you're building a real legacy in this scene. How did that moment hit you, both personally and as someone who's been part of shaping the sound of so many artists?
JB - Well first, I was totally thrown off, and I’m not just saying that. A lot of people said “That speech was so you!”, so I guess my friends know me, I’m very go with the flow and laid back, I try not to complicate things too much haha. To describe the moment, I was very honoured and humbled, considering I was nominated next to a group of extremely talented musicians. I’ve never been one to dream of accolades, I have always thrived off of being able to make art with great people and just work hard.. I chose to do this, so I have no choice but to wake up everyday and grind. It was truly an honour to receive the recognition for the work I have put in but there is always plenty more work to do!
RA - What advice would you give to a younger player who wants to do what you do—playing on records, performing live, and staying in love with the craft?
JB - There will always be someone better than you. Let it inspire you. Go learn from the people better than you.
Don’t play the guitar, play music. There is a big difference between being someone who plays guitar and someone who plays music.
Be versatile, learn different styles, learn why those styles work the way they do, then try to apply them into your style.
Play. Get in front of an audience as much as you can. You’ll only get better.
Lastly, just be a good person and fun to hang out with. 90% of the job is the hang!
RA - Jeff, thank you for not only sharing your time and stories—but for being a living reminder that musical excellence doesn’t always come with flash. Sometimes, it’s simply found in subtlety, generosity, and a deep love for playing music with good people. Your presence is felt in the soul of every song you touch and every live performance I've seen you be a part of!
Connect with Jeff on Instagram.
