RnR Reviews

• The eclectic duo take smooth jazz and funk to next level.

  
  By A265U58I4QIHY9 on 2008-08-15
  "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.
  
  

• Two Great Artists Get it Done!

  
  By A3F8UOKFMV83NX on 2007-08-30
  I have already listened to this CD twice and it is GREAT! Rick Braun and Richard Elliot have such a great chemistry and make it so enjoyable! Will buy at least two more CD's so I have one everywhere!
  
  

• Braun and Elliot, not bad, not great

  
  By A3NS6S4016VCXX on 2007-09-26
  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.
  
  

• Palatable Smooth Jazz

  
  By A1ODZ7SDUPEGNK on 2007-10-23
  I've never been a huge fan of Richard Elliot even though I own a couple of his albums and I had never really heard Rick Braun, so I was prepared to dismiss this as just more typical "smooth jazz" when a friend who is into that sort of thing loaned me his copy of RnR. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised when I listened through the first time.
  Though Elliot and Braun break no new ground whatsoever, they have here assembled a team of very competent session men and produced a CD of an hour's worth of music that even those who hate the smooth jazz genre will find palatable. RnR would be an excellent CD to play as background music at a party or even in the office. There are none of the ooh la la background vocals that contaminate so much of the genre nor is there anything so virtuoso that it requires the full attention of the listener.
  Though nothing stands out for me, if I had to choose a couple of cuts as favorites I'd pick The Stranger and the misnamed Two Heart Tango.
  Since I need a few CDs like this in my collection for social occasions that require a pleasant and inobtrusive background vibe, I will likely add RnR very soon.
  
  

• ED Music?

  
  By ACJKI4HZ200G8 on 2008-03-12
  I'm a huge fan of this genre, but the first two cuts sound a lot like background music for a commercial for Cialis or some other ED drug. Seriously. Can't listen now without getting the giggles. Pity.
  
  
• Rick and Richard
  By A34AJONLB0K927 on 2007-09-22
  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.
  
  
• Outstanding
  By A2RRQ3J2BJ0434 on 2007-10-23
  I won't rehash what's already stated in other reviews. I'll just say that Rick & Richard are two of the top musicians in the business and this set is outstanding. If you enjoyed BWB's "Groovin" and Rick's "Shake It Up" with Boney James, you'll love this CD. Some arrangements bring back fond memories of the Crusaders and Tower of Power (for old school listeners). Here's hoping Rick & Richard have a long and productive relationship.
  
  
• Workman like
  By A1LEWNQP3CZQM7 on 2007-11-02
  Both these gentleman personify excellent as a function of their craft as solo artist, moreover, there collaboration with other established and new artist have proven rather interesting indeed; however, I am of the opinion that this association was as one reviewer cited a tad mechanical, as if the artists in questioned restrained themselves for the sake of producing a recording that could be potentially enjoyed but both saxophone and trumpet lovers alike without either instrument overpower the other, which was a tad unfortunate. Despite this minor criticism, both Braun and Elliot have produced a CD that is a must have for anyone's jazz collection.
  
  
• Great CD
  By A2M8TUS3WJSOJV on 2007-09-28
  Being a huge fan of Richard Elliot and Rick Braun, I could hardly wait for this CD to be released. Believe me, it did not disappoint. Fantastic is all I can say.
  
  
• Oh Yea
  By A32WCD0F8BUOWI on 2007-10-03
  Grooo-vee
  Bass poppin' Trumpet Blastin' Sax squawkin' Fun!
  Great for all you "Smooth Jazz" fans
  The name says it all (Rest 'n Relaxation)
  
  
• Smooth jazz
  By A3T8N96DV4528E on 2007-10-12
  This CD is a fantastic collaboration of two of the best smooth jazz artists.
  If you are a fan of trumpet and sax, definately buy this for your collection !
  
  
• "RnR in review"
  By A30S6V2Q8Y9GM7 on 2007-10-17
  I thoroughly enjoyed my rececent purchase of RnR, the new CD by Rick Braun and Richard Elliot. The smooth jazz selections are both relaxing and quite upbeat, with a "funk/soul" sound usually displayed-and very artistically by Rick and Richard on their individual projects. This dynamic and beautiful collaberation is long overdue! When they combine their talents on this entertaining CD, the result is 'melodic magic'. I strongly recommend "RnR" for everybodys' CD collection.
  Sincerely, Mr. E.D. Elliott
  
  
• Jazzing It Up
  By A2PB3IV8G4MEMU on 2007-10-28
  I saw Rick and Richard do a show together so I knew the cd would be a great and it is!! I hope they make another one.
  
  
• R n R, CLASSIC ALBUM!!!!!!
  By A1FLK5GIA2RCIW on 2007-11-14
  Richard and Rick are perfect together, man. One of the best albums ever assembled not just this year, but ever!!!! All 12 tracks funkin' it up just the way I like it. I was suprised Jeff Lorber was on this album, but all in all this album is slammin' but my 3 favorites are:
  
  #5-Da JR Funk
  #8-Down & Dirty
  & #7-???
  
  
• Qunitessential Horns
  By A33D1KV9Z742J3 on 2007-11-21
  The saxaphone and trumpet mastery which appears on this CD is not to be believed nor denied. The melodic mix and chemistry between Mr. Elliot and Mr. Braun is exceptional and one not to be dallied with. Kudos to a wonderful work of music.
  
  
• Another Hit!
  By AIW6IMMWS3UCD on 2007-12-28
  This is another great CD by Braun and Elliot. The fusion of trumphet and sax is outstanding. You'll enjoy it from beginning to end.
  
  
• Great Minds can blow horns
  By A1B2A94Z63Q4OE on 2008-01-27
  These two musicians are great on this album. I am glad I bought it
  
  
• Something for all
  By ASLZ0AZYFBF2M on 2008-03-29
  Two of the Greatest artists Come together to create an album that has something for everyone.Rick Braun is one of my favourite artists of all time and Richard Eliott is definitely one of the most consistent Sax players in Smooth Jazz of the last 10 years.
  
  If i am not Mistaken these 2 guys also own and run the label.MAGNIFICENT,
  now we can hear truly talented Musicians making truly great music without the little middlemen and label management interference.
  
  These two Gentlemen helped shaped the sound of what we have the pleasure of calling [and listening to] ' Smooth Fusion '
  
  Hard to beleive this is there first album collaboration.I hope it aint the last. No surprise if it is the Highest selling album of 2007.
  
  
• excellent
  By AJ48XGYPCG1MO on 2008-04-14
  love the combination of rick braun & richard elliot
  smooth jazz at it's finest.
  enjoed every track.
  
  
• RICK BRAUN RICHARD ELLIOT RNR
  By AVUR5MK7DLXKP on 2008-05-16
  IT IS THE BOMB. I CAN NOT GET ENOUGH OF PLAYING IT. I HAVE TURNED A LOT OF PEOPLE ON TO BUYING THIS ALBUMN.
  IF YOU LOVE THE HORN, THIS IS THE ONE TO PURCHASE.
  
  

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