To say Greg Brown is a veteran performer would be an understatement. His most recent album was 2002’s “Milk of the Moon.” His discography contains 20 other recordings, dating back to 1974’s “Hacklebarney.”
When it comes to describing Brown’s style of music, numerous genres probably apply when an artist has so many recordings — they range from folk to funk to rock to blues, ad infinitum. With such a wide range of material, his music is constantly evolving.
This Sunday, Brown will play two shows at WOW Hall, the venue where he was voted “Best Male Performer of 2002.”
Brown said he believes music and the global peace movement are intrinsically connected.
“Music has been one of the great tools of peace and understanding around the world,” he said. “I’m not necessarily talking about overtly political songs. Music is a great communicator — and it speaks for peace. It’s hard to bomb people and kill people when you see them as human beings.”
Recently, Brown has been introduced to new generations of fans through touring with artists like Ani DiFranco (the two played in Eugene at the McDonald Theatre in October) as well as the release of “Going Driftless,” a Brown tribute album with a number of musicians dialing it in. DiFranco covered his song “The Poet Game,” which includes lyrics like, “And why do I think it’s any help / for me to still dream of playing the poet game?”
Concert producer Mike Myer, who also hosts “Acoustic Junction,” on KRVM radio, said he brought Brown to Eugene because of the musician’s acoustic chops. Myer praised the directness of Brown’s music and described the message and delivery as “very raw.”
“Most of his performance is just his own words, emotions and humor coming through very directly,” Myer said. “He’s fiercely independent; he won’t sell out to any trends of the market.”
Brown’s albums are released through Red House Records, the label he co-founded 20 years ago. Red House publicist Alex Seitz said that as opposed to paint-by-the-numbers musicians, Brown is a true artist.
“He’s not just pumping out formula songs,” Seitz said. “His songs are one-of-a-kind originals, full of meaning and metaphor.”
Throughout his career, Brown has played a significant amount of benefit concerts, and he has been affiliated with numerous charity causes, including In Harmony, an organization formed in 1993 to “create intergenerational neighborhoods of specially trained parents.”
Brown said intentional communities such as these are a brave idea because they can promote the idea that everyone in the world belongs to one community and one family.
He said exercising compassion in action is important, and this is one of the few hopeful things in this world.
“(Compassion) can only be promoted by exhibiting it. It’s what works; it’s what makes our lives feel more precious and valuable,” he said. “The leadership has a vested interest in keeping us afraid and fearful of other people. People see compassion in action, and that’s how it grows. Nothing is more threatening to the violent leaders of the world — that’s the end of their game.”
Brown said he is working on a new album, and that he enjoys the WOW Hall because it has a “good music vibe.” San Francisco-based Box Set will open for Brown, and the Sunday shows start at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.. Tickets are $18.50 in advance and $21 at the door.