Rick Braun – All It Takes

Rick Braun’s latest CD is an inspired masterwork of contemporary jazz that celebrates the unique relationships he has with band members,  his wonderful wife, and collaborators Philippe Saisse, Jeff Lorber and Marc Antoine. On ALL IT TAKES, the award-winning trumpeter uses the power of his instruments  to transform and take your aural pleasures to another level. This recording has the quality and standards of Braun’s previous award-winning CDs and it keeps the musical possibilities happening and versatile.

Braun worked with co-producer/co-songwriter Phillipe Saisse on the bulk of the songs including the title track and the sexy, cool, opening tune titled “Tijuana Dance?” “Puerto Allegre Jam” is the kind of descarga that will have you on the dancefloor, but if you’ve lost your groove, then this song will definitely help you get it back! Marc Antoine guests on guitar and the vocals of Vanessa Falabella add the spice of life to this great song. Saisse’s keyboard solo provides just the right cue for Braun to keep this jam going. You’re sure to love this song.  

Rick Braun changes the tempo and expresses his love in radiant, bold and warm tones and textures and then delivers it all to his lovely wife on the ode “Christiane.” Co-produced by Jeff Lorber this  adept song also features Lorber’s brilliant keyboard playing. “All It Takes” is a beautiful ballad that finds Braun in a pensive mood on muted trumpet delivering lovely phrases and making very profound musical statements. This song is the embodiment of elegance.  Ending the set, Braun is cooler than cool on the flugelhorn as he give major props to Freddie Hubbard on his ode titled “Freddie Was Here.” This song has style, grace and is smooth-as-silk and also reflects the excellence in Braun’s songwriting skills.

Rick Braun has ALL IT TAKES to make you want to keep listening to 10 great songs that are the perfect vehicles for his great trumpet and flugelhorn chops.

Reprinted with Permission From