Shake It Up

Boney James, Rick Braun

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 30, 2000)
• Original Release Date: May 30, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Warner Bros / Wea
• ASIN: B00004TCP4
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #4,852 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #25 in	Music > Pop > Easy Listening > Orchestral Pop
  #50 in	Music > Jazz > Smooth Jazz

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
From Bob James and David Sanborn's Grammy-winning Double Vision to George Benson and Earl Klugh's Collaboration, Warner Bros. Records has released some of the greatest duo projects in smooth jazz. With Rick Braun and Boney James's Shake It Up, the label's tandem projects have hit a new plateau, pairing Braun's jazzy trumpet sensibilities with James's ultra-funk saxophone dynamics. The album title reflects the way the two bounce off and drive each other to artistic heights beyond either's typical solo work. The two horns dance over a shuffle beat and simmering blues keyboard textures on the opening track, "RSVP," first soaring in perfect unison, then breaking for back-and-forth conversation between James's lower smoky tone and Braun's higher-pitched crackling. Their musical chatter builds slowly, culminating in a powerful end chorus. Similarly celebratory are two versions (one vocal) of the jubilant horn hit "Grazin' in the Grass," which features the two swaying as one over jumpy retro guitar and keyboard parts, then blasting off into percussive improvisations. The disc's gentler moments are equally remarkable, notably the silky "More Than You Know" (in which Braun introduces a tender thought and waits for James to complete it) and a smoky, gently grooving cover of Horace Silver's "Song for My Father." --Jonathan Widran

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All Shook Up, June 9, 2000

By	Tawana Hawkins (Akron, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

I happened to see a local circular that advertised this cd for sale. I bought it without benefit of hearing a single song. I love it! R.S.V.P. sets up an incredible jam session of two of the most talented horn players on the planet. Both remakes of Hugh Masekela's Grazin'In The Grass are outstanding. I wasn't familiar with any of the vocalists, but the harmonies are tight. The title cut is a very smooth groove! If this cd is an indication of how hot this summer is going to be musically, we're in for a scorcher. This cd will be burning up the charts in no time. This is a must have for fans of these two extremely talented gentlemen. Also recommended, Seduction by Boney James and Body and Soul by Rick Braun. Awesome cd!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Can You Dig It? Yes I Can, January 20, 2002

By	John F. Temmerman "Jazzman, saxguy" (Skokie, Il United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I'd been favorably impressed with the music of Boney James (real name James Oppenheim)that I've heard on the radio. Also, one of my students turned me on to him. This album not only features his smooth technique and big sound on tenor, but also great interplay with Rick Braun on trumpet.

There's a nice mix of covers and originals, the most notable covers being a very hip, yet almost reverent rendition of Horace Silver's Song For My Father and instrumental (better) and vocal versions of Grazin In The Grass made famous by Hugh Masekela. There also is a nice mix of tempos, ranging from ballad to driving.

James is a great player, aside from his sound and technique, his R&B influences shine through. This is a nice album and people who enjoy GOOD smooth jazz and funk will like this.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm all shook up!, May 30, 2000

By A Customer

Rushed out and bought this at lunch. Two of my favorites artists have created my now favorite cd. Doesn't matter if you're a Boney James fan, Rick Braun fan or just like GREAT music, buy this work of art. I guarantee you'll like it.