Rick Braun - Philadelphia

Sessions Volume 1 is the debut CD from Artisan Records, an independent label co-founded by trumpeter Rick Braun and saxophonist Richard Elliot. Although the label will release all new music beginning with Elliot next year, this project is a live-in-the-studio recording featuring many of Brauns greatest hits. Braun calls it a gift to his fans, and its no denying that. Theyll hear new version of favorites such as Cadillac Slim, Notorious, Missing in Venice, Groovis, Nightwalk and Martys Party, among others. Although saxophonist Boney James didnt make it to the session, there are also two songs from Braun and James classic collaboration from 2000, Shake It Up: RSVP and Grazing in the Grass. Artists who did drop into the studio for the live recording include such established sessions players and longtime Braun cohorts Mitch Forman, Luis Conte, Jimmy Roberts, Andre Berry and Rayford Griffin. On Notorious from Brauns Body and Soul CD, Elliot plays the saxophone lead originally played by James. An undeniable highlight is the only new song on the CD, a track called TGIF co-written by Braun, Dave Koz and Brian Culbertson. Koz and Culbertson also play on the brassy, upbeat party song, which was recorded in one take. This album’s repertoire is drawn from Rick’s greatest hits including “Grazing in the Grass“ from the album “Shake it Up,“ and fans’ fav’rites “Notorious,“ “Nightwalk“ and “Coolsville.“ Certainly an unexpected highlight is Rick’s emotional vocal on “Love Will Find a Way.“ Sessions Volume 1 is in Rick’s own words: “Music recorded live-in-studio presented in its original form without excessive editing, intended to capture the energy, integrity, and honesty of my live show. It’s about the fun and utter joy of playing,“ which is exactly what you hear througout this album. Definitely a must have for all Smooth Jazz music lovers.