Rick Braun is one of the world's premier trumpet players.  He also plays flugelhorn and other instruments too and has released 19 albums since 1992.  His collaborations, R&R and BWB, has broadened his appeal among contemporary jazz fans.  Also a composer and producer, Rick has over 20 #1 smooth jazz hits during his career.  Multi-award winning program director Ray White sat down backstage with Rick in December of 2011 while he was touring with Dave Koz during Dave's Christmas Tour.  Rick shared his insights about his first band, interest in the fluglehorn, collaboration with his good friend Richard Elliot and his awesome Sings With Strings release.    His current project is titled Rick Braun.  In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis features the latest from saxman Kim Waters who just dropped That Special Touch and the very latest on Earth, Wind & Fire, too!  Be sure to check our Episode 002 for more from Rick Braun here on the Coool CAT!

Eric Gales started playing guitar in blues competitions when he was 11 years old.  By the time he was 16, he secured a major recording contract.  Guitar World named Eric the "Best New Talent" in 1991.  He also performed with Carlos Santana at Woodstock '94.  Over the years Eric released 19 albums and you'll also find him on many compilation releases.  Many consider him one of the top guitarists in the world!  Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Eric backstage in November 2021 to talk about his early career as a child prodigy, his latest album Crown and much, much more.  Perseverance has been a major theme of Eric's career.  Check him out for yourself!!  In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis features another guitarist whose music career is drenched in the blues, one of the greatest ever - Eric Clapton.  His latest release is a live album - Nothing But The Blues, which features many blues standards that he recorded at The Fillmore in San Francisco in 1994  during his From The Cradle tour.  The Coool CAT brings you two legendary musicians whose careers were heavily influenced by the Blues.  Blues lovers, don't miss this one!!!