Jazz trumpeter, producer, and genre pioneer Rick Braun is celebrating three decades of smooth jazz excellence in a bold way—by releasing a self-titled album that marks both a look back and a powerful leap forward. Rick Braun is out now on his indie label, Brauntosoarus, and it's a dynamic, genre-blending statement that proves Braun’s creative fire is still burning hotter than ever.
Cheerfully subverting the tradition that self-titled albums are reserved for newcomers, Braun uses Rick Braun as a celebration of 30 years since his breakout hit album Intimate Secrets first established him as a major force in smooth jazz. Since then, he's delivered over 20 #1 hits, produced chart-toppers for the likes of David Benoit, Marc Antoine, and Jeff Golub, and made waves with dual albums like Shake It Up with Boney James and RnR with Richard Elliot. He's also a core member of BWB with Kirk Whalum and Norman Brown—a true all-star trio.
Built during the solitude of the pandemic in his home studio, Braun welcomed some of contemporary jazz’s most acclaimed musicians to the sessions. The album features performances by bassists Darryl Williams, Jimmy Haslip, Oskar Cartaya, and Courtney Wild; drummers Gorden Campbell, Gary Novak, and Eric Valentine; and contributions from keyboard wizard Greg Phillinganes and percussion master Lenny Castro.
The 10-track collection is vibrant and wide-ranging, reflecting Braun’s soulful roots, global inspirations, and love of infectious grooves. Standouts include the lush opener “Far Away Places,” the romantic “Amor De Mi Vida (Love Of My Life),” the exotic flair of “Turkish,” and the infectious, club-ready bounce of “Da Funk.”
Tracklist:
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Far Away Places
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Amor De Mi Vida (Love Of My Life)
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Turkish
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The Color Of Love
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Da Funk
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Back To Mallorca
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6th Street
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Feet First
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Playin Around
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Four On The Floor
Rick Braun isn’t just a celebration of legacy—it’s a declaration that this smooth jazz icon is still evolving, innovating, and inspiring.
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