[.ca] Best of . . . Braun

From Amazon.com:
With his big, open trumpet sound and laid-back R & B grooves, Rick Braun created a string of hits through the '90s. He's always had a distinctive take on the smooth-jazz genre, with his effective balancing of keyboards and acoustic instruments. This compilation pulls together many of his best tracks, reaching back to 1992's Intimate Secrets for the romantic "Laura" and touching on all the CDs since, with the exception of 1997's seasonal Christmas Present. Braun's trumpet is always prominent, with regular associates like guitarist Jeff Golub and saxophonist Boney James making their presence felt. "Hollywood & Vine," from 1998's Full Stride, is a cleverly layered collaboration with keyboardist Brian Culbertson. The CD is a terrific introduction to new listeners and a handy compendium for initiates. There's also one new track, a cool and brassy rendition of the soul classic "Feel Like Makin' Love." --Adam Rains

The Very Best of Braun:
One could listen to this CD over and over and find new nuances. Rick Braun's trumpeting is soulful, clear and refreshing.

He was my first....:
Would that there were more stars to give to his rating. He paints a picture so well with his groovin' that you just can't help but be moved. He was the first smooth jazz I heard that made me want to explore the genre more. Right after that, a local (shortlived) station came on the scene, and played many more of his songs. I was an owner of two of his CD's before the next weekend came. Awesome, totally awesome, and too cool to express...do yourself a favor and become an owner and fan of his music.

Great starting point for a great trumpeteer!:
I really like a lot of Rick Braun's music and some of his songs are absolutely amazing. This "best of" collection compiles most of these tracks. My absolutely favorite song on this compilation is his 1994 classic "Nightwalk". This song took my breath away with his rich Flugel Horn sounds and the haunting New Age atmospherics blending with a great rhythm, this song is a masterpiece. A close runner up is his 1997 smash "Notorious". I can easily remember when this song was brand new on the radio and 7 years since first hearing it, this song has lasted very well over time and still is popular even today. Some other known songs are "Club Harlem", and "Cadillac Slim" which are very funky and upbeat. This is a great starting place if you are a newbie to Rick Braun. For veteran fans, there isn't much a need to put this on top of your list unless you like the cover version of Roberta Flack's "Feel Like Makin Love".

Exceeded my expectations completely:
The CD came highly recommended. I personally couldn't be more pleased with the mix of tunes and quality of Braun's play. Whether a horn nut or not, I think you'll like the CD straight away, and appreciate it more each time you play it.

A Total Grove:
Excellent music on so many levels. If you are in to Smooth Jazz, this is an absolute must have! The moods and transistions are inspiring!

• Missing in Venice
• Night Walk
• Hollywood and Vine
• Feel Like Makin' Love
• Groovis - Boney James, Rick Braun
• Notorious
• Very Good Thing
• Club Harlem - Rick Braun, Peter White
• Coolsville
• Cadillac Slim
• Laura