Always
eclectic in my soul tastes I began to promote the music
of Smooth Jazz into Europe in the 90's as an extension
of jazz-funk fusion because of its obvious RnB tendencies
and the quality soul vocal tracks that always found themselves
to be tucked away usually on track four!!. Since then the genre
has largely been watered down for US radio and I myself have
been frustrated at the fairly recent emergence of
albums that are nothing more than music for the background and
fodder for the radio.
Rick Braun along with Boney
James was one of the original Smooth Jazz superstars which
is one of the reasons that I was surprised by this album.
Firstly, from the very first beat it IS downright funky and
there is no track that is shorter than four minutes in
length. In fact most of them average over six. It is clear
that Rick wishes to remain true to his musical roots which began
in the fusion group Auracle. Maybe it's because he now has the
money to do so, he is co-director of the label together with
another smooth jazz pioneer, Richard Elliot. Importantly, though
the quality of music is what counts and this 'live' album of
concert favourites is firmly at the top of the pile. Confusion
may reign on the release date as the album was originally
recorded in 2004, but the tracks will always stand the test of
time.
The musicians have the freedom
of a live session and that comes over most in the happy vibe
created by the cover of the Friends Of Distinction's 'Grazing In
The Grass'. Braun's trumpet playing throughout is crystal clear
and jazzily melodic, which of course is the basis of fusion.
Vocally to the fore on his own composition 'Love will find a
way' he delivers the lyrics similar in style to Herb Alpert in
that it is a gentle method based on the fact that he does
not feel strong in the role. Though as with Alpert that itself
becomes appealing and the reason the track is so strong.'TGIF'
conjures up perfectly that end of the week feeling and brings
the groove back. There is no doubt that the musicians enjoyed
themselves in the making of this record which for those of you
who wish to explore the variations of modern fusion is a perfect
start. For those of you like me who were beginning to despair
with the lack of originality with a genre that once promised so
much in the forward transition of soul/RnB music my
faith has been restored. Apparently not on general release
until the end of August it's worth the wait!
