Born in Jamaica, Ciyo arrived in England at the age of six months old. Though a high academic achiever qualifying as a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives and specialising in the area of housing law, music has always been a dedicated and professionally nurtured constant in Ciyo’s journey through life. From early beginnings having first been taught to play the guitar at the age of nine by his father, Ciyo has participated musically in theatre, studio recordings and live performances alongside a parade of internationally acclaimed artists. These have included Caron Wheeler, Ann Nesby, Ruby Turner, Annie Lennox, Suggs, son of the late and great Alton Ellis, Christopher Ellis, YolanDa Brown, Jason Rebello, soca queen Alison Hinds, Jean Carne, Jazz Warriors, Tomorrow’s Warriors, Talvin Singh, LCGC, East London Gospel Choir, Chevelle Franklin, Andy Hamilton, Eastwood and Saint, Reggae Philharmonic Orchestra, Urban Soul Orchestra, Luciano, Alex Wilson, Sonny Okusons, internationally acclaimed jazz guitarists Jim Mullen and Dave Cliff, Pee Wee Ellis, Sly and Robbie, Freddie McGregor, Adele Harley, Steel Pulse (where he shared lead guitar duties with Jimmy ‘Senyah’ Haynes on the 1991 album, Victims) and Carleen Anderson.
An in-demand musicians’ musician, Ciyo’s ongoing collaborative works cover a range of genres. His talent has enhanced iconic popular music alongside artists such as Roachford, Linda Lewis, Raghav, Shara Nelson, through progressive Jazz with Soweto Kinch, to the ‘new psyche Delia’ Brit-pop/folk influenced music of Bishi. Ciyo’s jazzy guitar contributions are also present in the genres of reggae and lover’s rock and can be found in his live and recorded work with many artists including JC Lodge, Jean Toussaint, Sugar Minott, Bob Andy, Earl ‘Chinna Smith’, Barry Biggs, Dennis Bovell, Pam Hall, Jimmy Lindsay, Earl 16, Lukie D, Paulette Tajah, Sylvia Tella, Lorna Bennett, Lloyd Brown, Winston Reedy and Carroll Thompson.
Ciyo has toured with Courtney Pine, Byron Wallen, Ronnie Laws, Billy Paul, Jean Toussaint, Maxi Priest, Beres Hammond, Horace Andy, Cleveland Watkiss, Steel Pulse and a host of others. He counts quality time spent with George Benson as amongst his most inspiring experiences to date. Ciyo’s sixth album the newly released “Put a little jazz in their lives” expertly unites the beautiful complexity of jazz with the subtle rhythmic undertones of reggae.
Current projects also include a focus on his World Music Acoustic Trio featuring Colin McNeish (double bass) and Lenny Edwards (percussion). This project delivers an eclectic mix of musical themes from around the world featuring dynamic arrangements and interpretation underpinned by instinctive and sublime musicianship from a stellar trio of outstanding musicians. Ciyo is also in the midst of preparing a series of collaborative recording projects with a range of artists from a variety of musical genres as well as other solo projects. The forthcoming year promises to be a very busy one for Ciyo as his brand continues to gain the kind of recognition that many believe it truly deserves… so watch this space Folks!!!
Ciyo Brown Website: ciyobrown.com
