Boney James & Rick Braun - Shake It Up

From Bob James and David Sanborn's Grammy-winning Double Vision to George Benson and Earl Klugh's Collaboration, Warner Bros. Records has released some of the greatest duo projects in smooth jazz. With Rick Braun and Boney James's Shake It Up, the label's tandem projects have hit a new plateau, pairing Braun's jazzy trumpet sensibilities with James's ultra-funk saxophone dynamics. The album title reflects the way the two bounce off and drive each other to artistic heights beyond either's typical solo work. The two horns dance over a shuffle beat and simmering blues keyboard textures on the opening track, "RSVP," first soaring in perfect unison, then breaking for back-and-forth conversation between James's lower smoky tone and Braun's higher-pitched crackling. Their musical chatter builds slowly, culminating in a powerful end chorus. Similarly celebratory are two versions (one vocal) of the jubilant horn hit "Grazin' in the Grass," which features the two swaying as one over jumpy retro guitar and keyboard parts, then blasting off into percussive improvisations. The disc's gentler moments are equally remarkable, notably the silky "More Than You Know" (in which Braun introduces a tender thought and waits for James to complete it) and a smoky, gently grooving cover of Horace Silver's "Song for My Father." --Jonathan Widran Amazon.com

Smooth!

Incredible cd... an older one of Boney & Rick's, but one of the very best! October 23, 2008

Shake, shake, shake.....

Shake it up.....but not shakey.
More great stuff (excellent road tunes).
Will certainly relaxe anyone even remotely contemplating "ROAD RAGE". But also makes great listening at home or office. July 11, 2008

Another Seductive Hit ~ Great Duo

Even my teenaged kids love this CD. They'll actually hang out with Mom to listen to it! Doesn't get any better than that, does it? The pairing of Braun with Boney is brilliant, and for those of us who remember the original, their two tracks with 'Grazin' in the Grass' are terrific; one of the best remakes I've ever heard. The entire CD is soulfully satisfying. August 30, 2007

The Best

I have ordered many times from Amazons sellers and have never had a bad experience. All orders have been just what was stated. I have come to rely on Amazon and at this point would not even consider ordering from anyone else.
Thanks..................(0; January 11, 2007

I Love Boney but this combo is absolutel great

One of my favorite Smooth Jazz CD's I own !!
The combo for Boney's Sax folowed up with Rick's Horn is truly wondefull. 1+1 = 2 Man! check it out
February 1, 2005

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