Theo Brown

Theo Brown, of Saint Vincentian heritage, embarked on his musical journey as a child, inspired by his father's rhythm guitar playing.

Upon returning to the UK in the late nineteen seventies, Theo initially sought to play keyboards, taking lessons from Gladstone Wilson. However, his father surprised him with a bass guitar, instructing him to “play this in church.” This unexpected direction led Theo to self-teach the instrument by diligently learning tracks from Walter Hawkins, Edwin Hawkins, and the Winans, often practicing into the early morning.

Theo subsequently gained extensive experience as a bassist for various gospel artists and choirs, including Carla Hales and Church of God of Prophecy choirs. His passion for music extended to an interest in sound engineering, sparked by observing saxophonist Byron Channer managing PA systems. Theo proactively assisted Channer, carrying equipment and learning the intricacies of sound. A pivotal moment arrived at a concert at New Church in Lozells, where Theo felt a strong conviction that he “could mix better than that.”

This ambition connected him with Nikoma Bell, who provided opportunities to work as a sound engineer for prominent gospel artists like Fred Hammond and Marvin Sapp, initially through physically handling equipment. Bell also facilitated Theo’s entry into the secular music world, broadening his sound engineering expertise. Theo’s ultimate aim was to apply this acquired knowledge and experience to elevate the quality of sound within the church. He now dedicates himself to numerous conventions and conferences, viewing his mixing as an act of worship, striving to provide the best possible audio experience for congregants. He firmly believes that music, as a powerful communication tool, must convey messages originating from a “heart of purity.”

Theo acknowledges several key musical influences. Birmingham bassist Colin Peters inspired him with his disciplined technique and ability to simplify complex playing. The “marriage between bass and drums” demonstrated by Darren and Louis Williams from Wolverhampton also profoundly impacted him. Later, Trevor Prince’s “simple but effective” guitar playing and distinctive sounds also left a lasting impression. In his sound engineering, Theo is committed to honoring the immense effort musicians and singers invest, ensuring their artistry is fully appreciated by the audience.

When reflecting on gospel music, Theo underscores the importance of spirituality and genuine feeling over mere intellectual understanding. Songs like “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” deeply resonate with him, fostering a profound connection to a divine source and serving as a reminder of God’s protection and guidance. He emphasizes understanding the historical context and origins of older songs, noting their genesis in deep feelings and experiences. While acknowledging that some contemporary music can be “artificial” and “synthetic,” Theo particularly values the “authentic sound of old gospel” and the traditional, non-electronic playing styles of musicians from that era.