Over a genre-defining career spanning more than three decades and 20+ Billboard #1 hits, Rick Braun has built a legacy rooted in melody, groove, and emotional connection. Now, with Rick Braun Plays Chuck Mangione, he turns his attention to honoring one of his greatest musical inspirations.
Sparked by the passing of Chuck Mangione in July 2025, the album stands as Braun’s first-ever tribute project—an offering that feels both deeply personal and musically celebratory. Revisiting Mangione’s most iconic compositions, Braun approaches each track with a balance of reverence and reinvention, infusing them with his signature warmth and contemporary flair.
The project features an exceptional roster of collaborators, including Mangione’s original guitarist Grant Geissman, acclaimed saxophonists Richard Elliot and Tom Scott, renowned keyboardist Philippe Saisse, and flutist Steve Kujala. Together, they help shape a vibrant and emotionally rich listening experience that bridges generations of jazz.
From the sweeping orchestration of “Land of Make Believe” to a revitalized and groove-driven take on “Feels So Good,” the album captures the essence of Mangione’s uplifting sound while allowing Braun’s artistry to shine through. The lead single, “Give It All You Got,” produced by Saisse, stands out with its buoyant rhythm, dynamic guitar textures, and a powerhouse sax solo from Tom Scott—delivering an immediate and infectious energy.
Described by Braun as a labor of love that “took over,” the album channels the “overwhelming sense of happiness” that defined Mangione’s music. In doing so, Rick Braun Plays Chuck Mangione not only pays tribute to a legend but also marks a soulful and inspiring beginning to Braun’s fourth decade as a recording artist.
Tracklist
- Land of Make Believe
- Doin' Everything With You (feat. Grant Geissman)
- Feels So Good (feat. Richard Elliot)
- Long Hair Soulful
- Give It All You Got (feat. Tom Scott)
- Do I Dare To Fall In Love (feat. Richard Elliot)
- Bellavia
- Love Wears No Disguise
- Children of Sanchez (feat. Grant Geissman)
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