Rick Braun, the contemporary jazz trumpeter, is set to release his new holiday album, “It’s Christmas,” on October 11, 2024. This ten-track collection, produced by Braun and released through Brauntosoarus Music, was inspired by an intimate four-night concert series at Spaghettini in Southern California over Thanksgiving weekend, where he shared the joy of the holiday season with sold-out audiences.
Braun collaborated closely with Grammy-nominated composer and keyboardist Philippe Saisse on the arrangements for the Spaghettini setlist. Saisse contributes his talents on Rhodes and Hammond B3 organ for the album’s lead single, “Deck Those Halls,” a lively bluesy funk track that sets a festive mood.
One of the album’s highlights is Braun’s inventive arrangement of “The Coventry Torch Song,” which artfully combines the traditional English carol “The Coventry Carol” with the French classic “Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella.” In the studio, he layered multiple tracks featuring his trumpet, flugelhorn, and valve trombone, complemented by John Dickson’s elegant French horn.
“I had a blast crafting this arrangement, which includes various modulations, full orchestration, and even some piccolo trumpet,” Braun noted. “If I had to pick one track from the project, this would be it. The sound of a brass ensemble alongside an orchestra is magical, and exploring the harmonies of these beloved songs was so enjoyable. The antiphonal brass ending truly captures the essence of Christmas for me.”
Following the album’s release, Braun will return to Spaghettini for an extended five-night engagement over Thanksgiving weekend (November 29-December 2), featuring special guest performances by guitarist Peter White, saxophonist Richard Elliot, and pianist Keiko Matsui.
The duo of Braun and Saisse also created a heartfelt arrangement of “The Christmas Song,” enhanced by a four-piece string section, David Finck’s smooth upright bass, and gentle drumming from Joe La Barbera. Saisse’s refined piano work beautifully showcases Braun’s flugelhorn lead.
Another standout track, “Do You Hear The Angels,” features a medley of four beloved Christmas songs: “Do You Hear What I Hear?,” “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “Oh Come All Ye Faithful,” and “Deck the Halls.” This imaginative medley, performed alongside bassist Darryl Williams and drummer Gregg Bissonette, evolved beyond Braun’s initial concept, forming a rich brass section.
The mood shifts with a sultry mashup of “We Three Kings” and “Good King Wenceslas.” Braun describes this piece as a “smooth, funky musical journey across a moonlit desert.” The cool, calm atmosphere is enhanced by Nate Phillips’ probing bass, making this track perfect for winding down with a glass of cabernet on Christmas evening.
During the pandemic, Braun formed a group of fellow brass enthusiasts and wine lovers called the Pinot Noir Brass, which released a Christmas album last year titled “Pinot Noir Brass Christmas.” This ensemble, featuring Braun (trumpet), Jeff Bunnell (trumpet), Dickson (French horn), Doug Tornquist (tuba), and Nick Lane (trombone), reunites for a skillfully arranged version of “God Rest Ye Merry Gents.”
In a refreshing twist, Braun offers a finger-popping rendition of “White Christmas” in a doo-wop style, enhanced by a wawa trumpet and infused with elements of New Orleans and Gypsy jazz, thanks to Craig Sharmat’s guitar work. Braun drew inspiration from legendary artists while crafting this track.
The title track marks one of two new compositions Braun wrote for the album. In a storytelling style, he reflects on cherished family Christmases, setting a heartfelt tone.
Whistling through the opening, “Santa Clause is Coming to Town” nods to Tim Allen’s Christmas film, “The Santa Clause.” While it might sound whimsical, Braun’s version is a serious jazz piece, reminiscent of John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps,” featuring flexible acoustic bass work from Luca Allemano.
The album wraps up with another original from Braun, “Christmas Eve Waltz,” where he skillfully performs on flugelhorn and piano, handling all instrumentation, including the string arrangements.
Three decades ago, Braun released his first holiday-themed album, “Christmas Present.” A dozen years later, he followed up with the big band jazz vocal album “Swingin’ In The Snow.” He describes “It’s Christmas” as “a spirited, genre-transcending holiday collection that explores a wide array of styles.”
Originally from Allentown, PA, Braun has long been rooted in the Los Angeles music scene, touring and recording with pop-rock legends like Rod Stewart, Sade, Tina Turner, Natalie Cole, Tom Petty, Glenn Frey, and War. He launched his solo career with 1992’s “Intimate Secrets,” quickly establishing himself as a key figure in contemporary jazz and a smooth jazz icon. To date, he has achieved thirty Billboard No. 1 hits as both an artist and producer, collaborating with genre giants like White, David Benoit, Marc Antoine, Jeff Golub, and Elliot, with whom he formed RnR, leading to a successful album and touring experience. Braun also teamed up with saxophonist Boney James for the duet album “Shake It Up,” featuring the fan favorite “Grazin’ in the Grass.”
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