Rick Braun Plays Chuck Mangione (2026)

The title pretty much says it all. If you want more info, here's a bit from Braun's Bandcamp site:

Sparked by Mangione’s passing in July 2025, this project is deeply personal; Braun performs every track using the cherished Giardinelli mouthpiece gifted to him by the legend himself during a meeting at the 2007 Long Beach Jazz Festival. This beautiful sense of continuity is further enhanced by Braun’s use of the same Couesnon flugelhorn he played as a student at the Eastman School of Music

Hell, if Chuck Mangione gave me one of his mouthpieces, I'd not only use it, I'd probably figure out a way to wear the thing on a chain around my neck. The album is a well-polished tribute, mostly showcasing Mangione's writing skills. Braun is better on the flugelhorn than Mangione was, so Braun upstages the honoree on the playing side of things. Braun brought in guests on saxophone (Richard Elliot & Tom Scott) as well as onetime Mangione sideman, guitarist Grant Geissman. All in a tri-fold digisleeve with playing and production credits but oddly void of writing and publishing credits. Judging from the number of times I've listened to this CD since it hit my mailbox earlier this month, I greatly enjoy this effort. Recommend for fans of Mangione, for sure.

Album chart peaks:(to be determined)

• US Billboard 200:
• Billboard Contemporary Jazz:

Tracks:

1. Land Of Make Believe (originally from the 1973 album of the same name)
2. Doin' Everything With You (originally from the 1976 album, Main Squeeze) featuring Grant Geissman
3. Feels So Good (originally from the 1977 album of the same name) featuring Richard Elliot
4. Long Hair Soulful (originally from the 1988 album, Eyes of the Veiled Temptress)
5. Give It All You Got (originally from the 1979 album, Fun & Games) featuring Tom Scott
6. Do I Dare To Fall In Love (originally from 1983 album, Journey To A Rainbow) featuring Richard Elliot
7. Bellavia (originally from the 1975 album of the same name)
8. Love Wears No Disguise (originally from the 1984 album, Disguise)
9. Children Of Sanchez (originally from the 1978 album of the same name) featuring Grant Geissman

So most of the "hits" are here, plus a couple of deep cuts - it's a nice mix. I would have liked Chase The Clouds Away, but you can't have everything, right? For the most part, the arrangements aren't much different from the original tunes; the exceptions are Land Of Make Believe and Children Of Sanchez. I've heard this version of Give It All You Got on the radio, so I'm guessing that's the single release and a good choice for one. And I'll have to wait a little longer before I'm treated to a recording of Feels So Good that features a vocalist and Mangione's lyrics.

Full lyrics available here

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: Nothing with this particular album as it is a new release, but hearing Mangione tunes always takes me back to my junior high school and high school days.

Previously revisited for the blog:
Groovin' (2002) with BWB
Shake It Up (2000) with Boney James
Body And Soul (1997)
Beat Street (1995)