*“It’s kind-of that time,” said Jazz trumpeter Rick Braun about the October release of his “It’s Christmas” (Brauntosoarus Music) album when I asked.
“I recorded it during the hottest days,” the Allentown, PA native laughed a little. “I had been working on this in the Christmas spirit in April/May. It’s not too early for the stores…they have bypassed Thanksgiving!”
To promote the “It’s Christmas” album Rick will do a line of performance days at Spaghettini’s in Seal Beach, California from November 29 – December 2, 2024, with Peter White on guitar, Richard Elliot on sax and Keiko Matsui on piano.
“I’ve been on a Christmas Tour most of my life,” the multi-national Contemporary Jazz Award winner added with a chuckle. “Christmas Eve is when I go shopping.”
At the time of our interview, Rick was on his “It’s Christmas” Tour featuring Peter White (guitar). The multi-talented musician is also a trombonist and keyboard player. The album, produced by Braun, contains 10 tracks. The first single from the album “Deck Those Halls” featuring Grammy-nominated Philippe Saisse (organ/keyboard) comes out in November. Also featured on the album are David Finck (bass), Darryl Williams (bass), Gregg Bissonette (drums), Nate Phillips (bass), Craig Sharmat (guitar), Pinot Noir Brass (Braun, Jeff Bunnell on trumpet, John Dickson on French horn, Doug Tornquist on tuba, and Nick Lane on trombone), Luca Allemano (bass), Eric Valentine (drums), and Joe La Barbera (drums).
“I love Christmas, it’s a wonderful time of the year,” Braun said as we talked about the holiday season. “Most people find the best in everybody.”
“It’s organic. Most of the songs I did in my studio….I put my part. Then add people,” Rick Braun said to me when I asked. “I can’t wait for that moment when I am replacing what I did with real people.”
Braun is also part of a Jazz group called BWB with Kirk Whalum and Norman Brown. As a musician, he has worked with Rod Stewart, Sade, Tina Turner, Natalie Cole, Tom Petty, Glenn Frey, and War. He has garnered at least 30 Billboard #1 songs. As a music producer, he has worked for Peter White, David Benoit, Marc Antoine, Jeff Golub, Richard Elliot, and Boney James. www.RickBraun.com
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Dr. Eunice Moseley has an estimated weekly readership of over one million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Business Management/Public Relations Strategist and Consultant at Freelance Associates and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENTS: “Uplifting Minds II” Entertainment Conference (ULMII), founded by Eunice in 1999, is in its 25th year. Next events are coming to Baltimore via Zoom on Saturday, April 20, 2024, presented by Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times, and Los Angeles via Zoom on Saturday, November 9, 2024. The ULMII event is a free entertainment conference offering a Professional Panel Q&A Session, a Professional Talent Showcase, and a National Talent Competition (vocal, songwriting, dance, and acting) where aspiring artists have a chance to receive over $19,000 valued in prizes/product/services. Log onto www.UpliftingMinds2.com and RSVP for Zoom Access at EventBrite.com or email [email protected].
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