RICK BRAUN

IT’S CHRISTMAS

Brauntosoarus Music

Rick Braun, trumpet/flugelhorn/piccolo trumpet/valve trombone/keyboards/vocals; Phillipe Saisse, Fender Rhodes/B3 organ/key bass/Steinway grand piano; Tony Pulizzi, guitar; Darryl Williams & Nate Phillips, bass; David Finck & Luca Allemano, upright bass; Jamey Tate, Joe La Barbera, Eric Valentine & Gregg Bissonette, drums; John Dickson, French horn; Jeff Bunnell, trumpet; Nick Lane, trombone; Doug Tornquist, tuba; STRING SECTION: Kathleen Robertson, Peggy Baldwin, Cameron Patrick, Darrin McCann.

Thirty years ago, Braun released his first holiday themed album. “Christmas Present.” A dozen years ago, he issued a second Christmas disc, the big band jazz vocal album “Swingin’ In The Snow.” He summarized his recent holiday release “It’s Christmas” by saying:

“This project is “a high spirited, genre-transcendent holiday collection that explores an expansive range of styles.”  

They open with “Deck Those All” with a Braun arrangement full of funk and brass.  This tune has a boisterous big band sound, featuring the trumpet and valve trombone of Braun, with drummer Jamey Tate laying down a funky beat that drives the production.  They pretty much keep the same chord changes and melody of “Deck the Halls,” with a few minor exceptions. Rick Braun’s horns take sparkling solos and the Saisse keyboard magic is sprinkled throughout the arrangement in a very bluesy way. Tony Pulizzi is impressive on guitar.

This is followed by “The Coventry Torch Song” reflecting the English Elizabethan period.

“I had so much fun doing this arrangement that includes multiple modulations, full orchestration, and even a little piccolo trumpet playing from yours truly. …I love the sound of a brass group and orchestra … exploring the harmonic possibilities,” Rick Braun said.

Last Thanksgiving (2023), Rick Braun and his band performed at the popular Orange County, California venue, “Spaghettini” playing a repertoire of holiday music to launch the Christmas spirit. This album is the result of that concert.  Braun worked closely with his friend and Grammy nominated composer, producer and keyboardist, Philippe Saisse. Saisse plays Fender Rhodes and Hammond B3 organ on this project. Braun will return to Spaghettini Club in Seal Beach, California this year, during Thanksgiving weekend, November 29 – December 2, 2024 to promote this Christmas album, with many surprise guests.

On this album of contemporary jazz, you will enjoy a number of wonderful holiday songs including “The Christmas Song” featuring Braun sounding beautiful on his flugelhorn with a tasty string section mellowing out the arrangement.

Braun has arranged all the music, sometimes creating a medley of songs, then giving them a single title.  For example, he has joined together Joy to the World, Do You hear What I Hear, Angels We Have Heard on High, and Oh Come All Ye Faithful all under the banner of “Do You hear the Angels?”  On an arrangement he calls “The Good Kings” Braun combines We Three Kings and Carol of the Bells. Additionally, Rick Braun has included two original songs written for the holiday season.  One is the title track, “It’s Christmas” where Braun sounds good singing his holiday love song.  The other is a lovely “Christmas Eve Waltz” featuring Braun playing duet with himself, flugelhorn and piano. This is a great holiday album and will make a great stocking stuffer.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

BUY NOW

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter