The 5 Browns (by The 5 Browns, Classical)

THE 5 BROWNS album is performed by five talented, young sibling musicians who, we're told, all attended Julliard at the same time. You'll find a selection of classical pieces that is recognizable and easy to listen to, though could have been more imaginative. There's a little Leonard Bernstein (selections from West Side Story), some Debussy (a beautifully played "L'Isle Joyeuses"), "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," "Flight of the Bumble Bee," "In the Hall of the Mountain King." Only four of the 11 tracks feature all five Browns -- arrangements for five pianos must be hard to come by.

Imagine -- a talented group of young artists and no offending lyrics to worry about. The familiarity of most of the tunes (especially those heard many times before in musicals and Disney movies) makes the CD a fine choice for introducing young people to classical music. Some of us can't help but wonder, though, if there's a sixth Brown sibling hiding out somewhere with a boom box, or perhaps a ukulele...

Released on: February 22, 2005
Label: RCA
Genre: Classical