Description
The project opens with the old Tijuana Brass feel on the hypnotic ‘Tijuana Dance”, featuring a groove that’s meticulously heavy and pulsates with a slow friendly vibe. Rick’s trademark horn work is fresh yet familiar and like the return of an old friend……a smoking opener and one of the best CD openers from Rick ever. “Puerto Allegro Jam” features the scat vocals of Brazilian Vanessa Falabella and some sweet acoustic guitar from Marc Antoine. Philippe Saisse adds his trademark keyboards to Ricks’ stellar horn work for a Brazilian/Latino Jam that will garner world-wide acclaim. The title track “All It Takes” is Braun at his slow sensual best. The track written by Saisse contains some exceptional subtle orchestrations and a steamy slow bluesy horn-bass-line that has raised the creative calibre of the disc immensely. The funk then roars from your speakers on “Sleeveless In Seattle” with Rick also doubling on the chorus with trombonist Nick Lane. The sheer energy of the song along with the great hook is a guaranteed toe-tapper and the song was also inspired by James Pankow of the legendary group Chicago. The disc ends with “Freddie Was Here”, Rick’s heartfelt tribute to the late Freddie Hubbard. The mesmerizing track flows seamlessly through the speakers creating a positive hope-filled vibe that remains throughout this laidback sunset accompanier. Dwight Sills adds the acoustic guitar fills while Ricks’ playing speaks to the depths of what great jazz is all about……playing from the heart.
