Rick Braun can sing his fans will attest to that, though he has not done to date a full vocal release or even hinted at a recording of this depth and magnitude until now. Boasting a glorious repertoire, superb orchestration and an underlying ambiance that may evince a smile from the spirits of Frank Sinatra, Chet Baker and Nelson Riddle all this along with his warm-hearted flugelhorn throughout Rick's newest Artistry Music release.

This record dances around the definitions of adult pop and invites jazz fans as well as classical crossover lovers to the party, all while demonstrating a first rate sensibility of how strings and singers truly work together with vibrant results. Sings With Strings pays homage to two classics in its title 'Chet Baker Sings' and 'Clifford Brown with Strings' we think Rick has a remarkable new career path alongside his jazz credentials.

When Rick Braun and Richard Elliot decided to start ARTizen Music Group it was a pretty fair bet that collaboration would be on the boards. After all, Rick's best-selling release to date is his collaboration with Boney James (Shake It Up). Duet albums from Bob James & David Sanborn, Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin, George Benson & Earl Klugh are among the top-sellers of this (or any) genre. Richard had toured with Rick numerous times yet hadn't a real studio long-player to share credits with. Nonetheless, for these two stars it had to be perfect. Almost three years later and over half a dozen releases on their label that time had come. The planets aligned and they began writing and recording their own record together. Tunes like the title track "R n R," the raucous horn charts of "Curve Ball," and an exotic little burner "The Stranger" (see if you recognize the vamp) flowed from their collective musical wit and wisdom. From "Que Paso's" catchy handclaps, late night charmer "Two Heart Tango" and funkjam of "Q It Up" - this is simply an album that won't stop entertaining and amazing. There is an implicit pun evoked in naming this release. The consistent stumbling block to recording together was variously solo records, a tour, someone else's record - never mind having a life. So when they found some time for R(est) n R (elaxtion) - what do they do? They make a record. True to its namesake, R n R is all about fun.