Beyond Category tells the stories behind the music of the Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble, its record label PJCE Records, and members from all corners of the Portland Jazz Scene.

Barra Brown is a drummer, composer, and producer based in Portland, Or.

Composer/Arranger, Jazz Fusion band/musical director, University Music Instructor

www.thewishermen.com/
There are two common stereotypes about jazz music: that it is either a dead genre or that it is too inaccessible and heady, what some call “musician’s music.”  The Wishermen, a group of young Portland musicians who have been playing together since 2010, are working to change those misconceptions.  They play contemporary improvised music that advances the jazz tradition by incorporating modern influences ranging from postrock to hip-hop, fortunately without retreading the tired ground of 70’s and 80’s smoothjazz and fusion groups.  The nucleus of the group is bassist Chris Friesen, drummer/composer Barra Brown, and guitarist/composer Grant Syler, the three of whom met while studying with drummer and Portland jazz luminary Alan Jones.  The Wishermen’s live performances are energetic affairs that showcase some serious improvisational chops, but there’s no need to fear self-indulgent ten-minute saxophone solos.  Instead, the band uses improvisation as a compositional tool, never letting it overshadow the core element of their sound: good pop songwriting.

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