When trumpeter Chuck Mangione first came out of the Eastman School in Rochester he approached the music straight ahead, playing with Art Blakey, Dizzy Gillespie, and Oscar Peterson, and with Gap Mangione on piano, making fiery albums for the Riverside label, produced by Cannonball Adderley, who knew a hip brother sound when he heard it.
But when Mangione donned a fedora and picked up the flugelhorn, the sweet soulful sounds appealed to legions of fans, across the country and around the world.
For flugelhornist Rick Braun, coming out of that same Eastman school, the affection for Chuck Mangione was immediate; they became good friends, and Mangione gifted Braun with a mouthpiece for his horn which he plays to this day.
Rick Braun Plays Chuck Mangione is an obvious love affair, one that can be immediately apparent from the first listen. With bandmates including keyboardist Philippe Saisse, guitarist Tony Pulizzi. Percussionist Lenny Castro, and special guests Grant Geissman, Richard Elliot, and Tom Scott, the land of make believe comes alive once more.
Hear a track from Rick Braun Plays Chuck Mangione each weekday morning @ 8:20AM, another feature made possible by the members of WBGO!
Mon-"Land of Make Believe"
Tues-"Feels So Good"
Wed-"Long Hair Soulful"
Thurs-"Bellavia"
Fri-"Children of Sanchez"
