 So
it’s the end of summer and you haven’t had
enough rest and relaxation? You say that you’re
looking for a little RnR? Well you’ve
come to the right place! The release is one of the
most anticipated discs of the summer is from two of smooth
jazz’ top performers. Trumpeter Rick Braun and
saxophonist Richard Elliot team up for what some may be calling “Shake
It Up II” (a take off on the highly successful Braun/Boney
James release in 2000) or even “Sessions 2” (as
a follow up to Braun’s successful remix of previous
songs). Another good title would have been “You
Take It, Then I’ll Take It” because they both
take turns throughout raising each other to the next bar. They
simply take the first letter of their first names and title
this project appropriately. We knew when these two
got together and formed the Artizen label, special things
were going to happen. Here are the fruits of their
labor.
This CD hits the ground running with the title track. The
catchy melody is pushed along by a nice back beat that has
our guys playing along with some nice two part harmony. The
two are featured in concert-like solos that come back around
for that infectious harmony again. They play off each
other as they ride off into the sunset. Muted trumpet
and a more toned down tenor are the backdrop for “Sweet
Somethin.” Braun’s trumpet has a “Dizzy” feel
to it while Richards’s sax is soulful. The third
track picks up where the opening track left off. “Curve
Ball” has all those positive vibes that make you like
it right away. The bass line along with syncopated
keys keeps this hopping throughout. The powerful Tower
of Power like riffs launch inspiring solos from both artists
that continue with that live feel. Go ahead and hit
the repeat button and try this one again.
“The Stranger” introduces a dark bass line accented
with Rick’s muted trumpet. They play it low allowing
Richard’s sax to repeat what’s already been played
on trumpet. What seems a dark session is brightened
by Braun’s long notes as if sunlight is coming in. You
can feel the strength in these chords as they continue to
grow with Elliot’s until the two become one. The
haunting melody is repeated by both before the chords draw
you towards the close. “Da JR Funk” is
exactly that. It’s a hip hop tune that introduces
a catchy melody all along the presence of driving snare and
moving bass. This will be a fun one to see performed
live due to the fact these two artists play off each other
so well. The Spanish influenced “Que Pasa” begins
with a light piano, muted trumpet and a Latin backbeat. The
chorus here is simply beautiful and inspiring as both horns
play so well together. Richard takes the lead through
most of this one but it’s never overpowering. His
tenor is as if it’s telling a story as it moves along
from measure to measure. Rick’s horn gives it
the edge, launching Richard into one of several solos that
will raise the hair on your neck. I think you’re
going to like this one. “Better Times” picks
up the pace again and moves along rather nicely as the two
play separately before coming together as one. There’s
some nice acoustic piano that adds that “recorded on
stage” feel to it.
“Two Heart Tango” begins with a layered feel
to it introducing both players all the while driving with
subtle bass. Braun’s muted horn is echoed by
Elliot’s tenor as the two join the melody with celebrated
solos. A driving beat gets “Q It Up” going with
both guys playing off syncopated riffs that punctuate what’s
really going here. They grow the melody into a wall of sound
that sets up and nice contrast of off setting solos before
getting back to the catchy melody once more. This will be
another good one to see live. “Sunday Night” has
that old smoky jazz club feel to it. Our two “R’s” trade
solos before getting into a nice melodic chorus. Richard’s
laid back with his solo as he works the bottom register for
a more soulful performance while Rick echoes that with his
own evening sound. “Sao Paulo” finishes
off the disc with an acoustic guitar led opening echoed with
trumpet. There’s more from Rick on this one than
on any of the previous songs and he does a great job.
So why are you reading this review? Is it because
you’ve already bought the disc and want to see what
someone else thought of it or you’re already headed
down to the local store to purchase it? The release
date is scheduled for August 28th, and if you’re a
smooth jazz fan you red circled the day in anticipation. These
guys don’t disappoint either live or in recorded media.
Too bad we’ve had to wait all summer for it, but now
that it’s here, grab a little RnR. You’ll
be glad you did!
-Harvey Cline
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