Best of Rick Braun
With his big, open trumpet sound and laid-back R&B; grooves, Rick Braun created a string of hits through the '90s. He's always had a distinctive take on the smooth-jazz genre, with his effective balancing of keyboards and acoustic instruments. This compilation pulls together many of his best tracks, reaching back to 1992'sIntimate Secretsfor the romantic "Laura" and touching on all the CDs since, with the exception of 1997's seasonalChristmas Present. Braun's trumpet is always prominent, with regular associates like guitaristJeff Goluband saxophonistBoney Jamesmaking their presence felt. "Hollywood & Vine," from 1998'sFull Stride, is a cleverly layered collaboration with keyboardistBrian Culbertson. The CD is a terrific introduction to new listeners and a handy compendium for initiates. There's also one new track, a cool and brassy rendition of the soul classic "Feel Like Makin' Love."--Adam Rains