专辑简介

Rick Braun's "Body and Soul" is, simply put, one of the most "delicious" cd's I currently have in my collection.The entire disc is subtle, low-key and in it's own fashion extremely elegant. While catching flack for being a "smooth jazz" artist Mr. Braun shows his unique talents in this collection, not just by his gift of melody, but by making each song as distinctive as the previous. His phrasing is at once gentle, hesitant and beautifully restraind. Which is something that,when pertaining to the "smooth jazz" genre, can be difficult to find ( Boney James, can you hear me? ). I'm aware some jazz purists may have difficulty with this style of jazz (and yes, it is jazz!) but Rick Braun's mellow horn reminds me so very much of an early Miles. .. I'm referring to his "Birth of the Cool" and "Kinda Blue" discs. I'm aware some may read that last sentence and shake their fists at my remarks for my comparisons but there it is! Blashemy...I'm sure! Nevertheless, the disc does hold some pleasant surprises, for me that being "Chelsea" and "Hymn For Her" plus a reputable rendition of "Body And Soul". Listening to the entire disc one finds that each selection works extremely well with the previous so when judged in it's entirety it truly does flow together very nicely.