Originally conceived as a gift to his fans and only available at concerts and through his website, Braun has brought in a stellar group of Smooth Jazz superstars and heavy-hitter backup musicians to record a set of his strongest songs, the ones that bring crowds to their feet and keep them dancing in the aisles at his concerts. The quality of the musicianship and the featured soloists add new dimensions to Braun favorites. “Cadillac Slim” becomes an extended funk jam with Braun absolutely wailing on trumpet and handing off a solo to Jimmy Roberts on sax while Andre Berry’s bass provides a lowdown foundation. The live setting adds a new level of emotional intensity and warmth to the ballads, especially Braun and Richard Elliot’s duet on the beautiful “Notorious.”

“Grazin’ in the Grass” becomes a “party in the aisles and at your house” classic with this extended version, and “TGIF,” the project’s new song, brings a similar groove with contributions from Dave Koz and Brian Culbertson. The highlights that showcase what these guys can do when they get to cut loose are toward the end of the CD. The first notes of “Groovis” set the pace for the rest of the set which includes an extended version of “Night Walk,” the hip shakin’ “Marty’s Party,” and wraps up with some fusion flavored improvisation in “Coolsville” that dispels any myth that these guys don’t have the chops to go beyond smooth.

The band features a choice group of sidemen that are familiar to anyone who attends concerts on a regular basis. These guys have played behind everyone and left crowds wanting more. Here, they get a chance to show their stuff. Randy Jacobs, a guitar-hero in waiting, shines on some decidedly rock-flavored riffs, Andre Berry has enough extended solos to keep any bass fan happy, Rayford Griffin on drums, Mitch Forman on keyboards, Luis Conte on percussion and Jimmy Roberts on sax round out the band and keep the foundation simmering and the momentum moving forward even during the most extended solos.