Jazz / Smooth Jazz; Jazz-Pop; Instrumental Pop; Crossover Jazz
Recorded: 1987-1993
Under the direction of Russ Freeman (equally skilled as a guitarist and as a keyboardist), the Rippingtons succeeded in combining jazz-influenced solos with light, funky rhythms and pop sensibilities. This particular CD has selections from eight of the group's GRP recordings, plus a pair of previously unreleased tracks ("Garden of Babylon" and "Sapphire Island") newly created for the sampler. With notable contributions from Freeman's longtime rhythm section and such saxophonists as Kenny G. (heard on "She Likes to Watch"), Brandon Fields, Eric Marienthal, Kirk Whalum, and Jeff Kashiwa, the CD acts as both a definitive sampling of the band's history and as an introduction to their accessible music. The results overall are typically lightweight but reasonably enjoyable, with some fiery moments giving variety to the high-quality pop music.
---Scott Yanow, allmusic
Carl Anderson - vocals
Phil Perry - vocals
Patti Austin - vocals
Jeff Kashiwa - soprano, alto & tenor saxophones, synthesizer
Kenny G - soprano saxophone
Brandon Fields - alto saxophone
Kirk Whalum - tenor saxophone
Eric Marienthal - saxophone
Jerry Hey - horns
Gary Grant - horns
David Kochanski - piano, organ
Mark Portman - piano
Russ Freeman - keyboards, classical, acoustic & elctric guitars, guitar synthesizer, bass, drums, percussion, keyboard & rhythm programming
Rob Mullins - keyboards
Greg Karukas - keyboards
Steve Bailey - bass, fretless bass
Kim Stone - acoustic & electric basses
Tony Morales - drums, cymbals, high hat
Steve Reid - bongo, congas, clave, shaker, percussion, electronic percussion, sound effects |
