Rick Braun "Full Stride" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review
Not sure what’s happening with me on this one, but it seems like the more I listen to it, the better Full Stride gets. Full Stride stated simply is one of Rick Braun’s best CDs to date.
Unfortunately, it’s not everyday that I get a CD from an artist that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can’t force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Full Stride. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.
Full Stride is a nicely varied, mix of 10 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly gifted artist who in my opinion is one of those musicians that has the ability to just bowl you over with his talent. The kind of artist it’s really a treat to be able to listen to.
Listen to and I think you’ll agree that the song choices are excellent, the production is simply outstanding.
While the entire CD is really very good the truly standout tunes are Nightfall [track 2], and Magic Moment [track 8].
My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 8, Soul On Soul. Good stuff!
Full Stride Release Notes:
Rick Braun originally released Full Stride on Sep 15, 1998 on the Atlantic label.
CD Track List Follows:
1. A Very Good Thing
2. Nightfall
3. Hollywood & Vine
4. One Love
5. Moonshot
6. China Bath
7. Magic Moment
8. Soul On Soul
9. South Of Midnight
10. Aqua Funk
Personnel: Rick Braun (trumpet, Flugelhorn, keyboards, programming); Peter White (nylon string guitar); Jeff Golub, Nils Jiptner, Tony Maiden, Bruce Conte, Carl Verheyen (guitar); Maysa Leak (vocals); Doug Norwine (soprano & tenor saxophone); Lee Thornburg (trumpet); Nick Lane (trombone); Mitchel Forman (acoustic & electric piano); Curtis Brengle (piano); Moon Calhoun (synthesizer, percussion, programming); Donnell Spencer, Jr. (keyboards, drums); Brian Culbertson, Chuck Kentis (keyboards, programming); Boney James, David Garfield (keyboards); Cliff Hugo (acoustic & electric bass); Jack Daro (acoustic bass); John Menzano (bass); Dave Palmer, Michael White (drums); Paul Brown (programming).
By: Tom Milson
Posted in: Jazz Festivals