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Cover tunes.  Nine of them.  But before you think, “Oh, no…not another CD of cover tunes,” let me paint the picture for you.  Rick Braun has put together a CD of tracks that have never been covered in a fully instrumental way.  These songs have real meaning to him.  These songs bring back amazing memories for him.  And as I listened to Yours Truly, even just the first time, it brought back memories and images from my own past… and I could not help but smile!  This is Rick Braun’s first release on his own record label, ARTizen Music.

The CD opens up with a kickin’ version of the Earth, Wind and Fire tune “Shining Star.”  Rick’s trumpet adds a whole new dimension to this.  And no one can help but sing along.  And the singing continues right along with “Holding Back the Years.”  Rick makes this Simply Red tune sound fresh and new.  Next up is “Love’s Theme,” a remake of the old Love Unlimited Orchestra song.  Listening to this track made me think of my high school prom.  But listening to Rick, I kept wondering if he ever breathes while playing.  His trumpet playing is amazing, powerful and exhausting for me!   “All Around the World” is an 80’s Lisa Stansfield tune that Rick truly makes his own.  The trumpet gives it a whole new feel.

If funk is what you like, then “Walk on the Wild Side” will give you that funky groove you’ve been craving.  Again, you just can’t help but sing along with this great oldie.  Any fan of Rick’s knows how much his daughter, Emma, means to him, and covering the John Mayer song, “Daughters” is perfect.  It is a touching tribute and played just beautifully by Rick.  Remember disco?  “Groove is in the Heart” is so totally cool and sounds even better than the original by Deee-Lite.  Rick lets the trumpet fly and has you out of your seat immediately!  On a mellower note, Rick’s version of “Kiss of Life” is peaceful and emotional.  Rick always puts his heart and soul into ballads, and this is no exception.  The final track, “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?” has been covered by many, many artists over the years, but with vocals.  Rick’s sensitive trumpet adds warmth and true feeling to this favorite tune.

Yours Truly accurately represents this collection of great songs.  These songs are some of Rick’s favorites, presented to you in a new way and will once again be favorites of yours. 

- Bonnie Schendell



CD Reviews return to home page interviews CD Reviews Concert Reviews Perspectives - SmoothViews State of Mind Retrospectives - A Look Back at a Favorite CD On The Side - The Sidemen of Smooth Jazz On the Lighter Side - A Little Humor News - What's New in Smooth Jazz Links - A Guide to Smooth Jazz on the Web Contact Us About Us Website Design by Visible Image, LLC