Esperanto

by Rick Braun

Overview

The title of the popular trumpeter and composer's latest triumph is a wistful reference to a language created in the late 19th century (by Dr. L.L. Zamenhof, who used the pseudonym "Dr. Esperanto") to facilitate communication between people of different lands and cultures. It's representative of the unique vibe of the collection, which features distinctive Euro influences drawn from the realms of trance, electronica, and acid jazz, with dramatic orchestral touches as well. Before those kick in, however, listeners are treated to an extension of the old-school brassy soul of B.W.B., the Warner Bros. ensemble of Braun, Kirk Whalum, and Norman Brown. "Green Tomatoes" is an old-school, Les McCann-flavored retro-funk explosion written by Braun over a groove and vocoder line originally composed by the popular London-based acid jazz outfit 45 Dip, led by Chris Beeman. Braun's eye for musical collaborations continues, with two tracks co-written and co-produced with keyboard legend Jeff Lorber (the heavy-grooving, Euro-minded "Sir W" and the party-minded free-for-all jam session "Stereo," with saxman Gerald Albright and keyboardist Gregg Karukas) and two with longtime Braun keyboardist Mitch Forman (the exotic and percussive, hip-hop- and jazz fusion-influenced "Zona Rosa" and the poignant two-minute duet closer "Mother's Day," fashioned as a tribute to their late mothers). Another new and highly elegant addition to the Braun production palette is his exploration of the harmonic possibilities of an 18-piece string section on four tracks. Braun's success in smooth jazz is due not only to his phenomenal trumpeting and picture-perfect melodies and grooves. There's always a commitment to new styles and adventures each time out, and the mix is irresistible. ~ Jonathan Widran

Product Details

Release Date:	08/26/2003
Label:	Warner Bros.
UPC:	0093624828020
Rank:	129489

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Rick Braun   Primary Artist,Trumpet
Norman Brown   Primary Artist,Guitar
Kirk Whalum   Primary Artist,Saxophone
Mark Robertson   Violin
Sara Parkins   Violin
Matthew Funes   Viola
Al Forman   Keyboards,Fender Rhodes
Paul Jackson, Jr.   Guitar
Sid Page   Violin
Larry Corbett   Celli
Armen Garabedian   Violin
Jimmy Roberts   Saxophone
Bruce Dukov   Violin
Land Richards   Drums
Jeff Lorber   Keyboards
Tony Moore   Drums
Gregg Karukas   Keyboards,Horn Engineer
Ricky Peterson   Organ
Joel Derouin   Violin
Alex Al   Bass
Johnny Britt   Fender Rhodes
Luis Conte   Percussion
Darrin McCann   Viola
Randy Jacobs   Guitar
Nick Lane   Trombone,String Conductor
Rayford Griffin   Drums
Cameron Patrick   Violin
Tim Gant   Keyboards
Evan Wilson   Viola
Todd Sharp   Guitar
Darius Campo   Violin
Berj Garabedian   Violin
Susan Chatman   Violin
Gerald Albright   Saxophone
Steve Richards   Celli
Dan Smith   Celli
Tony Maiden   Guitar
Suzie Katayama   Violin
Peter Kent   Violin
Bill Sharpe   Bass
Charlie Bisharat   Violin
Andre Berry   Bass

Technical Credits

Norman Brown   Guest Artist,Featured Artist
Gerald Albright   Guest Artist
Paul Jackson, Jr.   Guest Artist
Jeff Lorber   Guest Artist,Composer,Producer,Programming
Luis Conte   Guest Artist
Kirk Whalum   Featured Artist,Guest Artist
Mark Hanauer   Photography
Costa Kotselas   Assistant
Stephen Walker   Art Direction
Al Forman   Composer
Tony Moore   Composer,Arranger,Producer
Stephen Marcussen   Mastering
Steve Sykes   Mixing,Engineer
Bill Schnee   Engineer
Larry Coryell   Composer
Joe Beck   Composer
Lexy Shroyer   Production Coordination
Richard Scane Goodheart   Design,Art Direction,Illustrations
Ryan Petrie   Digital Editing
Chris Bemand   Composer
Gregg Karukas   Engineer
Johnny Britt   Composer
Rick Braun   Mixing,Composer,Engineer,Producer
Nick Lane   String Arrangements
Mark Daniels   Composer
45 Dip   Producer
Tim Gant   Arranger,Composer,Producer,Programming
Todd Sharp   Composer
Bill Sharpe   Composer
Donovan   Composer
Mitch Forman   Composer