When Rick Braun and Richard Elliot decided to start ARTizen Music Group it was a pretty fair bet that collaboration would be on the boards. After all, Rick's best-selling release to date is his collaboration with Boney ... more »James (Shake It Up). Duet albums from Bob James & David Sanborn, Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin, George Benson & Earl Klugh are among the top-sellers of this (or any) genre. Richard had toured with Rick numerous times yet hadn't a real studio long-player to share credits with. Nonetheless, for these two stars it had to be perfect. Almost three years later and over half a dozen releases on their label that time had come. The planets aligned and they began writing and recording their own record together. Tunes like the title track "R n R," the raucous horn charts of "Curve Ball," and an exotic little burner "The Stranger" (see if you recognize the vamp) flowed from their collective musical wit and wisdom. From "Que Paso's" catchy handclaps, late night charmer "Two Heart Tango" and funkjam of "Q It Up" - this is simply an album that won't stop entertaining and amazing. There is an implicit pun evoked in naming this release. The consistent stumbling block to recording together was variously solo records, a tour, someone else's record - never mind having a life. So when they found some time for R(est) n R (elaxtion) - what do they do? They make a record. True to its namesake, R n R is all about fun.« less
When Rick Braun and Richard Elliot decided to start ARTizen Music Group it was a pretty fair bet that collaboration would be on the boards. After all, Rick's best-selling release to date is his collaboration with Boney James (Shake It Up). Duet albums from Bob James & David Sanborn, Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin, George Benson & Earl Klugh are among the top-sellers of this (or any) genre. Richard had toured with Rick numerous times yet hadn't a real studio long-player to share credits with. Nonetheless, for these two stars it had to be perfect. Almost three years later and over half a dozen releases on their label that time had come. The planets aligned and they began writing and recording their own record together. Tunes like the title track "R n R," the raucous horn charts of "Curve Ball," and an exotic little burner "The Stranger" (see if you recognize the vamp) flowed from their collective musical wit and wisdom. From "Que Paso's" catchy handclaps, late night charmer "Two Heart Tango" and funkjam of "Q It Up" - this is simply an album that won't stop entertaining and amazing. There is an implicit pun evoked in naming this release. The consistent stumbling block to recording together was variously solo records, a tour, someone else's record - never mind having a life. So when they found some time for R(est) n R (elaxtion) - what do they do? They make a record. True to its namesake, R n R is all about fun.
Ruth H. (TxLadyRAH) from LEANDER, TX Reviewed on 2/12/2010...
SO EXCELLENT!!!! A REAL PLEASURE TO LISTEN TO!!!!
CD Reviews
Braun and Elliot, not bad, not great
Paul H. Frentzen | bensalem, pa United States | 09/26/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Separately, Richard and Rick are excellent. And together, at least in person, they are awesome. But this disc somehow disappoints and seems somewhat mechanical. I don't believe it has the passion or originality of some of their solo works. It is good, but not close to great and not up to expectations."
Rick and Richard
Matthew W. Baker | Chicago, IL, USA | 09/22/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is chock full of contagious, up tempo grooves which might brighten your whole attitude if you give it a chance. Rick and Richard definitely seem to hit it off on this collaboration, showing off their abundant chops and swinging abilities. I was pleasantly suprised to find this collection of polished yet vigorous compositions in the smooth jazz category. Trumpeter Rick Braun has a rythmic sense usually found in sax players, the improvisational flair of a hardcore jazzman, and the technical ability to pull it off. Believe me, it's not that easy to sound so effortlessly funky on the trumpet, having played the instrument myself a bit. He has a unique sound, although I detect a bit of Freddie Hubbard in there sometimes. Richard Elliot is new to me, but he seems equally interesting and proficient.
The only criticisms I have of this effort are that the excellent sideman don't get much of a chance to solo, (not that I was bored with the headliners) and that there were so many good tunes that they could have saved some for a 2nd round. Highly recommended- these guys are the A team."
The eclectic duo take smooth jazz and funk to next level.
pp777 | New York, NY | 08/15/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
""R n R" is A top quality and varied set that will have broad appeal.
It is a joyous concoction of horn driven grooves and harmonic melodies enhanced by a stellar line-up of guest musicians that includes Greg Karukas, Jeff Lorber, Chris Standring, Portland-born bassist Nate Phillips, Randy Jacobs, Dwight Sills, drummer Ricky Lawson, percussionist Lenny Castro, trombonist Nick Lane, plus production input from Jeff Lorber, Philippe Saisse and Rex Rideout.
Rick and Richard are two musicians who really pioneered the "Contemporary Adult Music" label before it morphed into you-know-what...jazz.
This disc, which numbers some of the best session musicians on the market, includes some real swinging and driving music, as well as accessible jazz with well arranged horn work.
"R n R" , with Rick's warm trumpet work and Richard's sultry sax, reminds of "Brazil 66" for some hard driving horn fusion.
"Down and Dirty" and "Q it UP" have some great funky rhythm work, which is contagious.
The 'odd' couple warms their chops with bassist Nate Phillips on the snappy "Curve Ball".
All throughout the ear friendly disc, the sound is like a musical conversation, which is contemporary and energetic.
It's encouraging to hear some friendly names from a near past still able to deliver the goods.
With this album the two jazz stars reveal their inventive musicality that always has been at the foundation of their careers..
My favourite tracks are "Sweet Somethin'", the smash hit "São Paulo", "The Stranger" and the addictive title track."