Rick Braun (born July 6, 1955 in Allentown, Pennsylvania) is a smooth jazz trumpet player and multi-instrumentalist.
Braun attended the Eastman School of Music,[when] and while a student there became a member of a jazz-fusion band, Auracle. Before embarking on a solo career, Braun got his start by playing in several bands, working as a session musician. Some of the artists with whom he recorded include guitarist Jeff Golub's Avenue Blue. He also collaborated with saxophonist Boney James on a remake of the Hugh Masekela's "Grazing in the Grass."
Braun also performs in the band BWB, with saxophonist Kirk Whalum and guitarist Norman Brown. In 2005, he and saxophonist Richard Elliot co-founded ARTizen Music Group (now known as Artistry Music). One of his influences was Freddie Hubbard, and Braun composed a song, "Freddie Was Here" in 2008, which he recorded on his album, All it Takes, in tribute to Hubbard, who died that year.
by Jason AnkenyA native of Allentown, Pennsylvania, trumpeter Rick Braun first surfaced as a member of the jazz-fusion outfit Auracle, formed while he was a student at the prestigious Eastman School of Music. After two LPs the group disbanded, and Braun turned to songwriting, scoring a hit with REO Speedwagons Here with Me; in time he directed his focus to contemporary jazz, issuing his solo debut Intimate Secrets in 1993. After touring with Sade, he returned in 1994 with Night Walk as well as the seasonal release Christmas Present. With 1995s Beat Street, Brauns popularity continued to snowball, with 1996s smash Body and Soul launching the NAC chart-topper Notorious. A two-time winner of the Gavin Reports smooth jazz artist of the year award, he returned in 1998 with South of Midnight. He also collaborated with Boney James on the 2000 release Shake It Up. Kisses in the Rain followed a year later.