http://www.ianbrown-online.co.uk/

Formerly of '90s Brit band the Stone Roses, frontman Ian Brown has turned his nose up to what he calls "the filthiest business in the universe" and is giving it a go solo. He blames "Hollywood fat cats" for the Stone Roses crumble.

Since the Roses decay, Brown is taking his creative freedom and stretching his boundaries. He has since become a multi-instrumentalist and can play drums, guitar, bass, keyboard, trumpet and harmonica. And what better way to learn how to play chords than from Bob Marley . . . the Bob Marley Songbook that is.

The influence of motown marvels Stevie Wonder, James Brown and Marvin Gaye has created a nice balance of soul and optimism in Brown's work. He claims the shining sun is his inspiration and his albums are for uplifting the spirit. In an interview, he points out that if you take all the letters in his name (IAN BROWN), they'll spell out BORN WINNA.

-Amy Schaefer