 Cover
tunes. Nine of them. But before you think, “Oh,
no…not another CD of cover tunes,” let me paint
the picture for you. Rick Braun has put together a
CD of tracks that have never been covered in a fully instrumental
way. These songs have real meaning to him. These
songs bring back amazing memories for him. And as I
listened to Yours Truly, even just
the first time, it brought back memories and images from
my own past… and I could not help but smile! This
is Rick Braun’s first release on his own record label,
ARTizen Music.
The CD opens up with a kickin’ version of the Earth,
Wind and Fire tune “Shining Star.” Rick’s
trumpet adds a whole new dimension to this. And no
one can help but sing along. And the singing continues
right along with “Holding Back the Years.” Rick
makes this Simply Red tune sound fresh and new. Next
up is “Love’s Theme,” a remake of the old
Love Unlimited Orchestra song. Listening to this track
made me think of my high school prom. But listening
to Rick, I kept wondering if he ever breathes while playing. His
trumpet playing is amazing, powerful and exhausting for me! “All
Around the World” is an 80’s Lisa Stansfield
tune that Rick truly makes his own. The trumpet gives
it a whole new feel.
If funk is what you like, then “Walk on the Wild Side” will
give you that funky groove you’ve been craving. Again,
you just can’t help but sing along with this great
oldie. Any fan of Rick’s knows how much his daughter,
Emma, means to him, and covering the John Mayer song, “Daughters” is
perfect. It is a touching tribute and played just beautifully
by Rick. Remember disco? “Groove is in
the Heart” is so totally cool and sounds even better
than the original by Deee-Lite. Rick lets the trumpet
fly and has you out of your seat immediately! On a
mellower note, Rick’s version of “Kiss of Life” is
peaceful and emotional. Rick always puts his heart
and soul into ballads, and this is no exception. The
final track, “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?” has
been covered by many, many artists over the years, but with
vocals. Rick’s sensitive trumpet adds warmth
and true feeling to this favorite tune.
Yours Truly accurately represents
this collection of great songs. These songs are some
of Rick’s favorites, presented to you in a new way
and will once again be favorites of yours.
- Bonnie Schendell
|
