Atlantic / Wea
1998
Full Stride
About This Album
A positive, tongue-in-cheek attitude infuses the trumpeter's Full Stride with a certain balmy optimism that contrasts with the dark moods of most of 1997's Body and Soul -- and recalls the deeply grooving, party time atmosphere on his breakthrough Beat Street (1995). His relaxed, fun-seeking attitude is apparent from the start, with the catchy light funk of "A Very Good Thing" recalling the restless spirit of Beat Street's "Marty's Party"; he floats a percussive melody, complete with irresistible pop hooks, over his own tropical vibe harmony (on synth) and Dave Palmer's alternating deep drum groove and insistent high-hat. More Herb Alpert than Miles. Likewise, he teams with keyboardist Brian Culbertson and former Rufus guitarist Tony Maiden (who backs Braun's flügelhorn with an hypnotic clicking wah-wah effect throughout) to reflect the fast-paced street life of "Hollywood and Vine." On "One Love," he combines his muted trumpet with Culbertson's acoustic piano as a harmonic backdrop to a dreamy, swaying flügelhorn melody; the effect is a cool tension beneath a soaring spirit. "China Bath" plays like background music at an Asian massage parlor.
Track List (try tracks 1,3 and 5)

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