Customer Reviews

Beat Street

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Other reviewers have said it, but its worth repeating: This is a CD that gets better with age. If all smooth jazz was the quality of Braun's Beat Street, it wouldn't have the sometimes elevator, saccharine reputation artists like Kenny G have given it. I have been paring down my extensive collection of Jazz, going mp3 library with those I like, selling off the rest; but Beat Street is NOT leaving my collection.

This set has so much going for it: Unfettered creativity, sweet melodies, great guest appearances, excellent interplay between artists, interesting diversity, haunting sounds, to funky beats. Philadelphia is a deservedly widely played, popular track off Beat Street, but this is not the only top tier song on the CD. Most are. Most of the songs on this CD are better than the best on most smooth jazz albums.

I haven't been that impressed with Braun's collected work, but on this one, it all came together.

Rick Braun is probably one of the best smooth jazz trumpeters out there, and it can definitely be heard on "Beat Street". This album focuses around the trumpet, and is perfect for those who enjoy those crystal clear notes ringing from the bell. Braun has quite a range on the horn and is able to pick notes out of both registers with ease. His solos are well formed and don't lose sight of the song. He plays with such an elegant ease, yet is able to attack with force. "I'll Be There for You" is a great track that symbolizes everything about this musician.

The album opens with "Groovis" where Braun and guest sax-man, Boney James, trade licks back and forth over a funky wah guitar rhythm. For "Papa Dee" Braun pops a mute into the bell and takes up double-duty on the keys. He plays with an idea, and then expands on that idea, but always returning to that original idea. His solos don't lose the melody, and even though he's blowing his brains out to reach high notes, it all fits together. The bluesy "Club Harlem" opens with the deep frequencies of a double bass, and guitarist Peter White's beautiful acoustic work backed by Braun's mournful wails. Braun's solo is smooth and perfect as he trades measures with White. White and Braun has always been a good collaboration and is worth checking out on White's "Caravan of Dreams".

Another great guitarist, Jeff Golub, appears on three tracks "Philadelphia", "Cadillac Slim", and "Marty's Party". He's another one that can roll solos off the fretboard without trying. His phrasing is clear and meaningful, even when he's rattling off sixteenth notes and faster. It's fun to listen to them play off each other on these cuts.

Yup, its a "5 star" CD! I listen to it again and again. Its sorta Miles Davis. And I love the "funk" guitar rifts that are sprinkled throughout the cuts. Rick's best so far, I think.

I've had this CD for several years, and it's still fantastic to listen to. Had the pleasure of experiencing Rick Bruan live at a concert a few summers ago at Thornton Winery, and he's an amazing showman as well as a gifted musician. This early CD is a favorite often played in my home.

My favorite instrument in the world is the piano. But Rick Braun blows out some fantastic tunes with that trumpet of his. From the start you feel just like the first song: so "Groovis". Then you find yourself jammin' down to "Club Harlem" and then you are "Walk(in) the Walk" to "Marty's Party".
The entire cd is full of emotion, fun and cool groves. The one song that stands out is the song "Philadelphia". With that magical trumpet, he has captured the essence and attraction that is PHILADELPHIA.
In an age with grunge sound and sweet as a toothache sounds of some "musicians", it is nice to get in touch with the smooth jazz side of music. And with Rick Braun and his trumpet, it is nice to visit that side of the world.

Good music to play for visiting guest.

Funky rhythems and its got the beat.

This is one you'll never tire of listening too!!

Must buy

This CD is everything we love Rick Braun for. Smooth, clean, grooves; sensual lush melodies with a touch of funk. In my opinion, RB blows away any popular jazz trumpeter today, and if you love good horn, you can't go wrong with this CD. Cadillac Slim is worth the price of the CD alone, but don't miss the chance to download the whole thing - you'll be wanting more and more!

The CD grasps you with the first note and does not let go until the end of the entire CD. Mr. Braun is very smooth. In some ways he is reminescent of Miles Davis.

For smooth jazz, this is one set of music that steps outside the norm. Beat Street just gets better with age, and every time I listen to it I go somewhere tropical and lively in my mind. It's the perfect cure to a sour mood, without being cheesy or overdone. It's the perfect Saturday morning, reading-the-paper CD with a cup of coffee. Rick's other CDs are good, and above the norm, but this is his best in my opinion. Every single song is great, and the way his jazz blends into catchy riffs is very subtle. I have 300 CDs and this one ranks in the top 5. Come to Austin, Rick!

May i start by saying i truly love this mans work.Still prefer his later albums though , this ones a bit too jazzy and not enough smoothy for my liking.