Brian 5 is a relational data base application used to compile standard discography information. It is has been named after Brian Rust, who perfected the chronological recording session format for print discographies. Brian 5 tracks every aspect of a record date, from sidemen to songs to composers to releases. All pieces of data are instantly cross referenced and searchable.
Basically, this software allows use of a computer to produce a jazz discography in a format very similar to that used by Brian Rust. This is much more ambitious than most record-oriented softwares currently in use. Most extant applications are primarily inventory-oriented - they are catalogue applications rather than discographical tools, and their goal is to provide the user with a simple list of records.
However, the idea behind Brian 5 is to start with the recording session itself, to include all details pertinent to the session, including location, date, full personnel, master numbers, tune titles, and all catalogue numbers of every performance issued. Going beyond the standard Rust format, we also include the song composers and full titles of issues instead of just the catalog numbers.
Brian 5 could be used to produce a discography of an individual artist, or a general work - it can handle anything that's in Rust or Raben or whatever (as long as someone's willing to enter the data!). Brian 2.1 was used to compile the discography in the Sinatra Singles box from Capitol.