Truly the most highly anticipated Smooth Jazz event of 2007, the seeds of this incredible collaboration between genre superstars Rick Braun and Richard Elliot were planted in 2005 the minute they announced that they were creating the indie label ARTizen Music with their manager Steve Chapman and industry veteran Al Evers. They whetted everyones appetite by scoring hit airplay singles from their first solo projects for the label--Braun with Shining Star (from Yours Truly) and Elliot with People Make The World Go Round (from Metro Blue), a track co-produced by Braun which spent an incredible 11 weeks at #1 on Radio & Records Smooth Jazz chart. In 2005 and this year, both solidified their incredible chemistry on the popular Jazz Attack summer tour with Peter White and Jonathan Butler.
The trumpeter and tenor saxman drew upon their pre-solo stardom roots to create an exciting dual horn section vibe on some of the tracks. Fans who are up on these guys know that back in the 80s, Braun played with War and Elliot honed his soulful chops with Tower of Power. But they wisely balance some of those in your face brass sections with other songs and passages that focus on single trumpet or single sax lines, creating an intimacy that reminded them of classic Jazz recordings from the 40s, 50s and 60s. Braun says they approached the arrangements and recording process as if their lead instruments were vocals engaged in some serious duets—and the magical rapport is clear from the start.
Aside from hard-to-resist melodies, exciting horn conversations and sizzling sections and impeccable grooves of all tempos and moods, the most dynamic aspect of RnR is that Elliot and Braun are as much interested in winning us over with subtlety and heart as with scorching horn sections. Theres the brightness of a daytime party, the sweet cooldown of balmy evenings, and fire and romance to spare. Its the perfect combination for a Smooth Jazz event that truly exceeds all expectations.
Buy CD:
http://www.amazon.com/RnR-Rick-Braun/dp/B000SO7ONO/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1268595283&sr=8-8
