Norman Brown & Bobby Lyle

Kansas' Norman Brown is a hugely successful guitarist with a warm, yet technically adroit approach to smooth jazz and instrumental R&B. Born in Kansas City, Brown first became interested in the guitar at age eight, when he grew fond of his brother's acoustic six-string. He was initially influenced by such guitar-based acts as Jimi Hendrix and the Isley Brothers, but once he discovered one of his father's favorite guitarists, Wes Montgomery, everything changed. Rather than play, for instance, material by Earth, Wind & Fire in local bands, Brown began playing contemporary jazz t...