Without hesitation, one of my all-time favorite Rick Braun CDs is Esperanto.  From beginning to end, this CD evokes a great funky, romantic, old world feel filled with melodies and catchy hooks.  It’s an album that always appears in my rotation.  And when you read the liner notes, you know immediately why this CD has stood the test of time. Stellar artists like Kirk Whalum, Mitch Forman, Jeff Lorber, Norman Brown, Luis Conte, Tony Maiden, Jimmy Roberts, Gerald Albright, Randy Jacobs, and Gregg Karukas help Rick bring together a top notch album.

Kicking off the album is “Green Tomatoes,” which has Kirk Whalum and Norman Brown joining Rick.  Funky beyond belief, this is a fabulous way to start things off.  Also in the funky department are “Daddy-O,” co-written with Tony Moore and Tim Gant, “Sir W,” and “Stereo.”  Each of these kicks up the tempo and balances out the cool sounds of the rest of the CD.

“Latinesque” has Rick on the muted trumpet, which gives an understated, but sexy sound.  This tune really conjures up beautiful visions.  “The Villa Di Costa” is another old world track and one of my favorites.  Its melody just brings out picturesque scenery in your mind, and then flows right into “Zona Rosa, which continues the feel.  “Turquoise” has a very mellow feel, giving a calming balance to those funky tunes!  “To Manhattan With Love” takes you from old world to the contemporary world, but stays within the cool, catchy melodies that carry you through the album’s travels.

The CD ends with “Mother’s Day.”  It is a beautiful, serene piece featuring only Rick, backed by Mitch Forman on keys and Luis Conte on percussion.  It sometimes felt a little out of place but you soon realize it feels like peaceful end to a wonderful journey

This CD is fantastic way to experience the sound of Rick Braun.  For me, it’s always been a CD to listen to when I need music to listen to in times of reflection.  A beautiful, immensely creative album.