Things are really popping. One of the true giants in Smooth Jazz trumpeter Rick Braun’s new album is out. I love it in its entirety and feel it certainly will be among the very best of the year. You will hear selections weekly until I have played all the songs. Next week I should also have a new album from Smooth Jazz pioneer David Benoit and the following week we will be hearing Paul Hardcastle’s latest album. A really great way to start a year.
So let’s talk about Rick Braun. His Rick’s Cafe Live YouTube program greatly entertained us during suspensions of live performances early in the pandemic. It also gave us an unprecedented look at the personalities and inside stories from major stars of the format. Rick tried out some of the new album’s songs during their development on his program. He gave us a chance to make comments or suggestions. Rick’s YouTube program went on hiatus except for special occasions after live performances resumed. Such a special occasion was his new albums release party where he combined a live performance with a YouTube telecast of the festivities. That event occurred in Seal Beach, California at the world class venue Spaghettini’s. And what a show it was. Backed up with fantastic musicians and special guest, saxophonist Dave Koz. And all for free. How could it be any better?
Rick Braun’s new album is titled Rick Braun and is his first album put out under his own label. It was released right before Valentine’s Day and has some very romantic songs. Rick is very much a family man and one of those songs was undoubtedly written for his wife Christiana. Understandably it is her favorite on the new album. I am playing this beautiful song,The Color Of Love.
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