Rick Braun
All It Takes
Mack Avenue Records
By George W. Harris

After careful study, I broke the code and figured out the progression of this trumpeter’s smooth jazz disc. You put the disc on as soon as your wife or girlfriend comes into the living room. By “Tijuana Dancer” and “Puerto Allegre Jam,” you’ve served your hors d’ourves. By “Christiane” and the title track through “She’s The One” you’ve indulged in some intelligent conversation about gestalt therapy and architecture while sipping your chardonnay. While “I Got Your Back” and “Ever Changing World” ooze through your speakers, you’ve served your well prepared meal, giving loving glances at your romance. A cheesecake with crème de menthe is served during “Sleeveless In Seattle,” while a little cuddling goes on during “Berlin.” By the time “Freddie Was Here” is done playing, you’ve taken your partner out the door for an evening of real jazz at some club.