Rick Braun & Richard Elliot [2007] RnR - mp3@320

Album Details

Title: RnR

Artist: Rick Braun

Label: Artizen

Released: augustus 28, 2007

Genre: Jazz



Tracks

1. Rnr

2. Sweet Somethin'

3. Curve Ball

4. The The Stranger

5. Da Da Jr Funk

6. Que Paso

7. Better Times

8. Down and Dirty

9. Two Heart Tango

10. Q It Up

11. Sunday Night

12. Sao Paulo



Album Review

When Rick Braun and Richard Elliot formed their contemporary jazz record label,

it was a sure bet that the sights and sounds heard from it would be designed to

entertain and amaze the legions of fans who have followed their careers since

Braun's days with War and Elliot's days with Tower of Power. This revelation is

clearly emphasized on their first label collaboration, titled RnR. The music here

is stylistically different from the songs they played back in the '70s, yet it

flows from their collective musical minds like a natural extension with the same

elements of spontaneity, soul, and sex appeal. Each tune is based on a particular

rhythmical feel or texture: shuffle, boogaloo, Latin, funk, even 20th century cool

and bebop colors. Opening with the title track, "RnR," the ensemble delivers an

energetic jam filled with potent beats and horn charts that smoke in unison.

"Sweet Somethin'" is a cool jazz gem that features Braun's refined trumpet talk

in a conversation with Elliot's sensual saxophone. Braun calls, Elliot responds, and

they stylistically bow with more than a nod to the groove. This song is sweet and hot.

"The Stranger" is an exotic burner that features the vamp from "Whatever Lola Wants,

Lola Gets." With their smoldering riffs improvised around the potent melody,

this song is both familiar and fresh. The smash hit "São Paulo" makes its physical

debut on this disc, having been a bonus download for fans visiting the artist's

website. Breezy and romantic, its Brazilian jazz flavors spice up the act and will

have you chillin' in its tropical ambience. With great performances emanating from

both Braun and Elliot, RnR is exciting and lively, yet warm, sexy, and mellow.

It is in this experimental way that you begin to grasp the depth of their combined

signature sounds and the impact it will have on their devoted and new fans alike.

Highly recommended.

~ Paula Edelstein, All Music Guide