The Evolution of BRIAN
A Relational Database
Application for Jazz Discographers
Steve Albin & Noal Cohen
The Future of Jazz Discography
Columbia University
April 28, 2017
What Is Brian?
• A relational data base application used to compile standard
discography information.
• Named after Brian Rust, who perfected the chronological recording
session format for print discographies.
• Tracks every aspect of a record date, from sidemen to songs to
composers to releases to solos. All of the important pieces of data
are instantly cross-referenced and searchable.
• Generates discography web pages following the standard format
exemplified by the work of Rust.
• Session-based, not just an inventory or cataloging program that
provides a list of issues.
What Is Brian?
Includes all details pertinent to the session:
• Location
• Date
• Full personnel with exceptions
• Master (matrix) numbers
• Song titles
Goes beyond the standard discography format – can also include:
• Track timings
• Song composers
• Full titles of issues
• Issue release dates
• Solo information
Available in both Macintosh and Windows versions.
BRIAN Discographies (88)
Bill Barron
Kenny Barron
Edgar Bateman
Frank Basile
Tony Bennett
Walter Benton
Anthony Braxton
Carter Family
Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash (Sun Recs.)
Teddy Charles
Circle
Patsy Cline
Chris Connor
Bing Crosby
Art Davis
Sammy Davis, Jr.
Walt Dickerson
Hobart Dotson
Ted Dunbar
Julian Euell
Ella Fitzgerald
Don Friedman
Tony Fruscella
Herb Geller
Don Gibson
Kent Glenn
Honi Gordon
Joe Gordon
Bunky Green
Henry Grimes
Gigi Gryce
Slide Hampton
Wilbur Harden
Johnny Hartman
Joe Henderson
Eddie Higgins
Andrew Hill
Elmo Hope
Shirley Horn
Joe Hunt
The Jazztet
Don Joseph
Tiny Kahn
Al Kiger
Bill Kirchner
Mary Louise Knutson
Steve Kuhn
Pete LaRoca Sims
Las Vegas Discographies
Barbara Lea
Harry Leahey
Peggy Lee
Abbey Lincoln
Joe Locke
Makanda Ken McIntyre
Carmen McRae
J. R. Monterose
Tete Montoliu
Michael Philip Mossman
Bob Mover
John Neves
Newport Youth Band
Hod O'Brien
Orchestra U.S.A.
Greg Osby
Duke Pearson
Carl Perkins
Benny Powell
Michele Rosewoman
Renee Rosnes
Kendra Shank
Frank Sinatra
Carol Sloane
Dusty Springfield
Frank Strozier
Ira Sullivan
Sir Charles Thompson
Lucky Thompson
Bill Triglia
Mark Turner
Wilbur Ware
Kitty Wells
Margaret Whiting
Hank Williams
Lem Winchester
Tony Zano
Attila Zoller
New Features in BRIAN
• Session Export and Import (possible use with JDISC)
• Combination Searches
• Creation of Lists
• Report Notes (text annotation)
• Solo Information
• Making BRIAN Reports Compatible with Smart
Phones, Tablets and WordPress
• Using VIAF for authority control
Session Export
Import Verification
Combination Searches - Personnel
Combination Searches – Personnel & Song
Generating Lists
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Sessions (5 options)
Songs (7 options)
Composers (4 options)
Personnel (10 options)
Labels (5 options)
Issues (2 options)
Creating Lists - Personnel
Creating Lists - Songs
Report Notes – Text Annotation
Adding Solo Information
Brian Summary
• The only program of its kind currently available.
• The perfect tool for the archivist, collector, educator, historian,
musician or writer, as well as for the dedicated discographer.
• Stores and reports all aspects of recording session information
in the most minute detail, specifically designed for jazz.
• Easy to make changes and additions.
• Manifold data entry features encourage the user to locate and
include information not usually found in print discographies.
• Reports are automatically formatted for clean and clear viewing on
the web and in other media.
• Superior to the printed page, even beyond the CD-ROM—the
immediate global access of the Internet is the future of discography.