Dec. 13, 2009

The Rippingtons -- Modern Art Since the `80s

The Rippingtons, under the guidance of the one consistent member and founder, guitarist/producer/composer Russ Freeman, have dazzled the smooth jazz masses since 1986.  In the early to mid-90s, the group, which is known for a lot of theme-based recordings, was considered by many to be more of a jazz/rock instrumental band, but since 1999, they have been received into the Smooth Jazz embrace with much zeal.  Let’s explore the prolific and rewarding ventures and discography of this contemporary wonder.

The band's recording career began in 1986 with the recording of Moonlighting. The album was well-received by critics and consumers and featured the song "She Likes to Watch," which has gone on to become a staple of the band's live set and one of their signature tunes. In January 1988, the Rippingtons released Kilimanjaro and began to tour more extensively. Mark Portmann, Steve Bailey (replacing Bill Lanphier), and Jeff Kashiwa joined the band.  They then released Tourist in Paradise. The tour for this album featured the group's first visit to Japan with David Benoit in 1989, where they joined the special summer concert series in Tokyo produced by Japanese saxophonist, Sadao Watanabe.

In August 1990, the album, Welcome to the St. James' Club, was released and became the band's first CD to debut at #1 in the Billboard Charts.

In 1991, Freeman relocated to Colorado and opened Cheyenne Mountain Ranch studios. The move influenced the group's next album, Curves Ahead, which featured songs based on the ski atmosphere in Colorado.
 
In August 1992, the group released Weekend in Monaco, which, to this day, has been one of their best selling albums. After its release, the band toured Europe for the first time. The U.S. leg of the tour was documented on the album, Live in L.A., with the video recorded live at The Ventura Theatre, Ventura, California on September 25, 1992, and the album recorded at The Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, California on September 26, 1992.

Tom McMorran joined the band in 1994 after Mark Portmann left and, in August of that year, the band released Sahara, one of my personal all-time favorites.  The following tour featured extensive dates in East Asia, where the group played Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka (Japan), and Southeast Asia including Jakarta (Indonesia), Manila (Philippines) as well as Singapore and Guam.

In 1995, David Kochanski joined the group, and the group made its presence known on the Internet. They then released Brave New World in February 1996, which featured covers of "Ain't No Stopping Us Now," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," and "Caravan of Love." The album was a stylistic departure for the band and included more "urban jazz" than had appeared on previous releases.  Also in 1996, Freeman started Peak Records with partner Andi Howard. The label has grown to include such artists as Lee Ritenour, Paul Taylor, Eric Marienthal, Gerald Albright, Latoya London, David Benoit, and Regina Belle.
 
In August 1997, the group released Black Diamond, their first record on Peak Records in conjunction with Windham Hill. The album debuted at #1 on Billboard. In 1999, Dave Hooper and Ramon Yslas joined the Rippingtons, and Jeff Kashiwa was replaced by Paul Taylor. In May 1999, the group released Topaz, which featured Native American flute work by Robert Tree Cody. Topaz remains one of the groups most requested CD's.

In 2000, Freeman relocated to South Florida, and the move was reflected thematically in Life in the Tropics, another of my favs.  This was the group's first album to be recorded digitally.  Penning some of the hottest Latin tunes, including “Rhythm of Your Life,” Freeman proved he fully understood the Latin love of culture and how music is interwoven into that culture. Many complained that the group had departed from its signature sound in favor of the colorful exoticism of Latin music. However, I believe more loved it than not.

In 2001, Scott Breadman, Bill Heller, Dave Karasony, and Eric Marienthal joined the group and the following tour was documented on the live album, Live Across America. In 2003, the group released Let It Ripp, featuring the title cut, which became a hit.

In 2005, the group released Wild Card, which again played on their Latin influences. The album features guest vocal spots by Latin music stars Willy Chirino, Chante Moore, and Albita.

In 2006, the group celebrated their 20th anniversary by releasing 20th Anniversary, a two-disc set which includes the main CD as well as a 20th Anniversary Retrospective DVD.

On March 10, 2009, the group made a return to the contemporary jazz scene with the release of the album, Modern Art.

In October 2009, it went back to Japan to perform four nights at the Cotton Club in Tokyo. That was its first trip back to Japan in 18 years.
  
Back here at home, the Rippingtons remain a cornerstone in the genre with its signature sound, lively and bright approach, and great musicianship.  The Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards honored Freeman with a Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as Producer Of the Year, 2001. The Rippingtons were chosen Best Group 2000 by Billboard BET, and Best Group 2 years in a row (2001 and 2002) by the Oasis Awards, in addition to an Achievement in Video, 2001 award.

As one who has supported the band’s projects from the beginning, I don’t exactly know how I would fill the void they would leave if they decided to call it quits. Whether you classify them as jazz/rock, pop (yes, I’ve heard that description, as well), or smooth jazz, their distinctive sound has become a mainstay in contemporary music.  Here’s hoping their contributions will continue for years to come. --Ronald Jackson