I'm Brown
Studio Recording
Independent Studios
Studio City, California
August 28, 1972
"I'm Brown" was recorded at Independent Studios in Studio
City, CA in August and September of 1972. The basic
track was recorded on August 28, along with the basic track
for "Livin' Off the Land," which was to be the "B" side of
the Capitol Recording. The basic track was acoustic
guitar with guide vocal, electric rhythm guitar, Hammond B3
organ, bass, and drums all playing together with no
overdubs. It was done in one take. On September
5, the acoustic piano and dual lead guitars were overdubbed.
The dual lead guitars were also done in one take
simultaneously. On September 8, the lead vocal was
done followed by the final mix. It's arguably my best
and most important song because of its meaning, lyrical
content, music, and performances. In 2008-09, "I'm
Brown" was featured at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles in
an exhibit called "Songs of Conscience, Sounds of Freedom."
The display included the 45 rpm Capitol single, the original
lyric manuscript, and a photo of the band. I usually
close my concerts with "I'm Brown."
Musicians: Mark
Guerrero (lead vocal, acoustic guitar, piano, left channel lead
guitar), John Valenzuela (electric rhythm guitar, right
channel lead guitar), Anthony Baray (Hammond B3 organ),
Richard Rosas (bass), and Ernie Hernandez (drums).
