April 4, 2009 - The questions have been asked of almost every exceptionally accomplished individual in whatever field they may be situated:  “Where do you go from ‘up’?” “What do you do now?”  In the case of mega-star saxophonist Richard Elliot, who has been a mainstay and a beacon for excellence in smooth jazz since I can recall, the answer is simply to produce more of the same satisfying quality. Rock Steady, scheduled for release on May 19 on the Artistry Music label, is just that: Rock steady in its approach to the fervour, the steel resolve, the soulfulness, and the electric energy that is Richard Elliot. 

From the opening and most recognizable notes of the late great Curtis Mayfield’s “Move on Up,” you are quickly transported to the familiar hard-driving and funky house that Richard built.  His tell-tale sassy and distinct sax has always been his fingerprint, and it is so in abundance here, along with a powerful accompaniment of musicians.  The saxman recruited the familiar faces and talents of Nate Phillips laying down the bass lines, Dwight Sills sizzling on guitar, Rick Braun showing off on trumpet, Gerald Albright shining on alto and tenor saxes, as well as strutting his stuff on bass, Luis Conte laying it out on percussion, Jeff Lorber, Philippe Saisse, Tim Gant, and Ron Reinhart lighting up the keys, Ricky Lawson putting it down on drums, Nick Lane adding a nice touch on trombone, and Lynne Fiddmont sweetening the pot with quality vocals on the title track.  This gang obviously felt every note, every bridge, every hook with as much vim and vigor as Elliot, proving once again that his eye, ear, and feel for talent remain unsurpassed.  Thus, the sure-footed, confident approach to each tune.  Let’s face it: No matter what Elliot or his band may tell you, they all had to know that this project would too be bound for the stars. You don’t play and feel this stuff without having that sense of inevitability, even if just slightly.  In my experience of having met the man only briefly, cockiness doesn’t seem to be his style, but his music surely oozes it! More

Rick Braun & Richard Elliot Show their Stuff as a Duo as R nR comes to Town
June 29, 2007 - Forming a duo for trumpeter Rick Braun and saxman Richard Elliot was a no brainer considering the pair have been friends for years, have played together countless times and are partners in one of the hottest labels in Smooth Jazz, ARTizen Music Group. The album RnR featuring original funk, R&B, jazz and pop songs will be released on August 28th. However the first single the breezy exotic romance of "Sao Paulo," is already nearing the Top 10 on the Radio & Records chart. The album features some other well know Smooth Jazzers including Jeff Lorber, Rex Rideout and Philippe Saisse, Chris Standring, Gregg Karukas, Lenny Castro and Ricky Lawson. "We've had so much fun playing together live that it was time for us to get together musically," declared Elliot. "We have different approaches yet they are complementary. We called upon our roots (Elliot was a long-time member of Tower of Power and Braun played with War) and we constantly bounced ideas off each other. As much as we let the songs develop and evolve from our interaction, the record was probably more honed and refined than other albums because we were constantly going over the work and tweaking and changing things." "Overall, I think the album is very energetic and percolates. We didn't want to overpower the melodies by just blasting a lot of horns in people's faces. In fact, we did the opposite by using single trumpet, flugelhorn and tenor sax melodies much like old recordings from the '40s, '50s and '60's, which gave it an intimate and warm sound. The horn section parts were doubled to really give it that oomph and muscle. We treated the lead instruments as would vocalists recording duets, which gave them each a personal voice," explained Braun. - by John Beaudin

Rick Braun & Richard Elliot Teaming Up For New Album & Jazz Attack Tour
April 4, 2007 - As they say sometimes the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and a new duo album with Trumpeter Rick Braun and saxman Richard Elliot could be the perfect combination. Braun say's the album of original songs is totally finished but so far has no title. It will be released in the summer on their own ARTizen Music Group label. Meanwhile Braun plans to tour as a member of Jazz Attack again with Elliot, Jonathan Butler and Peter White. Braun says "For me, I feel like I want people to walk away from this show with an experience that's so much more than just putting on my CD. I want them to feel like we've had some sort of experience together and they can walk away saying, 'Boy, I'll never forget that,' you know, 'That was a wonderful night.'" Tour Dates below. - by Kari Graham

May 31, 2005 - Richard Elliot's album "Metro Blue" originally slated for a late May release will be released on June 28th, 2005. The album is produced by Richard and partner Rick Braun's newly launched ARTizen Music Group.

Saxophonist Richard Elliot is in a funky, retro Metro Blue mood
April 29, 2005 - A consistent chart topper saxman Richard Elliot is ready to release Metro Blue on June 28th. It's his fourteenth solo collection yet his debut for the newly launched ARTizen Music Group record label, of which he is a partner. Metro Blue was produced by Elliot and horn man, Rick Braun, who collaborated on nine original songs. Joining them in the studio were Jeff Lorber, Peter White, Brian Culbertson, Dwight Sills, Gregg Karukas, Lenny Castro, Rex Rideout, Ronnie Grant, Nate Philips and Phil Davis.

Says Elliot, "This album release really represents a turning point for me, the creative experience of working with Rick (Braun) couple with the freedom of controlling our own destiny with the new label is pushing me into new directions creatively." ARTizen music is Elliot, Rick Braun, their longtime manager Steve Chapman and industry veteran Al Evers.

To help launch, and support the album release, Elliot is teaming with Braun, White and Jonathan Butler for the luminous Jazz Attack U.S. concert tour. - by Liz Rivard

Groovin' For Grover Tour Debuts Next Week
March 16, 2004 - We lost him in December of 1999 and he remains a big part of the Smooth Jazz framework. Grover Washington Jr. His Sony press release said it best "He maintained the middle ground between jazz and rhythm-and-blues with great style and grace." If you want a taste of Grover's Inspiration check out the "Groovin' for Grover Tour" kicking off next week. Featuring heavyweights likes Richard Elliot, Jeff Lorber, Paul Taylor and Gerald Albright. The tour will serve as a tribute to the Jazz legend.