Home » Jazz Musicians » The Rippingtons

The Rippingtons

Smooth Jazz pioneers The Rippingtons will release their latest album, Modern Art, on March 10th via Peak Records (Concord Music Group).

With a legacy firmly rooted in smooth Jazz, The Rippingtons’ 18th release features an explosive lineup lead by founder Russ Freeman alongside Dave Karasony, Bill Heller, as well as new bassist Rico Belled and special guest, returning saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa.

Modern Art breaks new stylistic ground, incorporating exotic world music elements on the sensuously romantic, acoustic guitar driven “Paris Groove” and adds an Eastern authenticity to the hypnotic “Black Book” with an electric sitar. With the sizzling interaction between Freeman’s slow burning electric guitar and Kashiwa’s wild sax improvisations, the easy grooving “One Step Closer” and bluesy “Body Art” will remind longtime fans of the band’s glory days of the 90s, but with a souped up twist!

“I think the music of The Rippingtons has struck a universal chord that is hard to fully explain.” - Russ Freeman

----------

Over the past two decades, Russ Freeman & The Rippingtons have taken the stage thousands of times throughout the world with just one goal in mind: celebrating the joy of life and music with their ever adoring fans. Marking an incredible milestone in the history of smooth jazz, the band turns 20 years old this year, and invites fans all around the world to celebrate with The Rippingtons 20th Anniversary, a remarkable new CD/DVD package that includes a CD of all new Ripps music and a DVD featuring a colorful retrospective as well as exciting videos from over the years. Bio

Most bandleaders would satisfy themselves at such a juncture with a complacent look back and a greatest hits package, but Russ Freeman, true to his ever creative and innovative spirit as a composer and producer, had a more exciting idea: an all-star class reunion of sorts, gathering all Rippingtons recording and touring members past and present to alternate on ten brand new compositions and a sizzling medley featuring newly recorded snippets of nine classic Ripps cuts.

Complementing his own trademark mix of fiery electric and romantic classical guitars, Freeman's guest list is truly a smooth jazz fan's dream"saxophonists Jeff Kashiwa, Paul Taylor, Kirk Whalum, Dave Koz and Eric Marienthal; keyboardist Bill Heller; bassist Kim Stone; vocalists Patti Austin and Jeffrey Osborne; drummer Dave Karasony; and special guest Brian McKnight, who wrote, produced and sings lead vocals on the lush romance "Anything." As if that group wasn't enough to get Bill Mayer's famed jazz cat (which graces every Ripps album cover) dancing, The Rippingtons 20th Anniversary also reunites most of the lineup of L.A. musicians who performed on The Rippingtons' groundbreaking 1986 debut album, Moonlighting, which Jazziz Magazine once called the most influential contemporary jazz album of all time: saxophonists Brandon Fields and Dave Koz (who played the EWI on the original recording); pianists David Benoit and Gregg Karukas; bassist Jimmy Johnson; drummer Tony Morales and percussionist Steve Reid. The collection is dedicated with love to the late great singer Carl Anderson, who first tantalized Ripps fans with his brilliant vocalizing on 1989's Tourist in Paradise.

Read more

Tags

6
Album Review

The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman: Fountain of Youth

Read "Fountain of Youth" reviewed by Jeff Winbush


If Fountain of Youth isn't the zenith of The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman it is difficult to imagine what would be. You can't get much more Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman than a Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman album featuring only Russ Freeman. It's a Russ Freeman solo album brilliantly disguised as a Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman album. There is no one with the surname of “Rippington" in The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman and there never has been. That's the ...

5
Album Review

The Rippingtons: Built to Last

Read "Built to Last" reviewed by Ernest Barteldes


Bandleader, guitarists and songwriter Russ Freeman pulls no stops on the Rippingtons' 25th anniversary release, Built to Last, featuring a full orchestra to complement the sound of his compositions, has he runs the gamut of the sounds that have influenced him throughout the years, moving from movie score-like tunes to heavy metal, country & western and retro-sounding jazz.The album kicks off with the title tune, which sounds as if it belongs in a film soundtrack. Lush strings introduce ...

251
Album Review

The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman: Cote D' Azur

Read "Cote D' Azur" reviewed by Jeff Winbush


Of the many incarnations of Russ Freeman's The Rippingtons, the current version is one of the strongest, with the players actually cohering as a band and not simply sidemen in Freeman's long-running side project. He remains the guiding light as the principal composer, writer and producer, giving the other musicians some stimulating music to play. Jeff Kashiwa is typically an acceptable, if not exceptional saxophonist, but, freed from any responsibility other than to get his groove on, he falls to ...

494
Album Review

The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman: Modern Art

Read "Modern Art" reviewed by Woodrow Wilkins


The Rippingtons, featuring Russ Freeman, have undergone numerous personnel changes over the years. Although the band has been more stable since Let It Ripp (Peak, 2003), it's still evolving. Modern Art attempts to walk the fine line between observing the past and moving into the future. Freeman founded the group in the mid-'80s and has been the principle songwriter and producer throughout its existence. In the early years, an ever-changing rotation of session musicians comprised The Rippingtons' family. ...

515
Album Review

The Rippingtons: 20th Anniversary

Read "20th Anniversary" reviewed by Woodrow Wilkins


In 1986, the term “smooth jazz had not made its way into the vernacular. However, the groundwork for what would become a radio format and, to some degree, a genre of music, had been laid. Among those paving the way was Russ Freeman, founder and principal songwriter for the Rippingtons.

In the early years, the Rippingtons weren't a band so much as a concept. As Donald Fagen and Walter Becker were to Steely Dan, Freeman was to the Rippingtons, surrounding ...

248
Album Review

The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman: Wild Card

Read "Wild Card" reviewed by Woodrow Wilkins


Longevity is perhaps the truest sign that an artist, or group, is doing something right. After nearly two decades and some sixteen albums, The Rippingtons keep rolling. Their latest venture, Wild Card, is proof that the current lineup is the best. In their early years, The Rippingtons consisted mainly of Freeman on guitars, keyboards, and programming; varying sidemen, including Jeff Kashiwa and Mark Portmann; and such studio guests as saxophonists Kenny G, Brandon Fields, Kirk Whalum, Paul Taylor, and Eric ...

262
Album Review

The Rippingtons: Wild Card

Read "Wild Card" reviewed by Mark Sabbatini


Think of it as a visit to Cuba where the dining experience is grabbing a burger at El Rapido.

The government-run chain emulates American fast food with the same culinary verve as pizza joints, where ketchup is used for sauce. That's not to say the Rippingtons' Wild Card is stomach-churning--just a somewhat limp rendition of the usual fare.

Lead guitarist Russ Freeman's description of the album is commendable enough, focusing on Cuban/Miami salsa that expands on ...

Read more articles
5

Recording

The Rippingtons Featuring Russ Freeman Release 22nd Album "True Stories" June 24 In Celebration Of 30th Anniversary Year On Peak Records/Entertainment One

The Rippingtons Featuring Russ Freeman Release 22nd Album "True Stories" June 24 In Celebration Of 30th Anniversary Year On Peak Records/Entertainment One

Source: EastWest Media

True Stories recorded over an intensive three-month span, is a refreshing elixir that will delight devout fans of The Rippingtons and attract new ones. Joined by original Rippington, alto and soprano saxophonist Brandon Fields, drummer Dave Karasony, bassist and rhodes player Rico Belled and special guest Jeffrey Osborne, Freeman orchestrates ten compelling originals. On True Stories Freeman’s choice of axe is a Patrick Cummings gold custom Brian Moore 30th Anniversary Russ Freeman model guitar. He plays it on all the ...

355

Recording

The Rippingtons Release Modern Art

The Rippingtons Release Modern Art

Source: On Target Media Group

The new album from The Rippingtons, Modern Art is out today (3.10) on Peak Records (Concord Music Group).

The Rippingtons’ 18th release features an explosive lineup lead by founder Russ Freeman with special guests including smooth Jazz trumpet icon Rick Braun, Dave Karasony, Bill Heller, as well as new bassist Rico Belled and special guest, returning saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa.

Modern Art breaks new stylistic ground, incorporating exotic world music elements on the sensuously romantic, acoustic guitar driven “Paris Groove” and ...

291

Recording

The Rippingtons’ "Modern Art" Available for Pre-Order

The Rippingtons’ "Modern Art" Available for Pre-Order

Source: On Target Media Group

Smooth Jazz pioneers The Rippingtons new album, Modern Art, is available now for pre-order. The band’s 18th album is available March 10th via Peak Records (Concord Music Group), and features founder Russ Freeman alongside Dave Karasony, Bill Heller, Rico Belled and Jeff Kashiwa. Also featured is special guest trumpeter Rick Braun. Modern Art breaks new stylistic ground, incorporating exotic world music elements on the sensuously romantic, acoustic guitar driven “Paris Groove” and adds an Eastern authenticity to the hypnotic “Black ...

237

Recording

The Rippingtons to Release New Album on Peak Records

The Rippingtons to Release New Album on Peak Records

Source: On Target Media Group

Smooth Jazz pioneers The Rippingtons will release their latest album, Modern Art, on March 10th via Peak Records (Concord Music Group).

The Rippingtons 18th release features an explosive lineup lead by founder Russ Freeman with special guests including smooth Jazz trumpet icon Rick Braun. The Rippingtons, whose first lineup included future contemporary Jazz superstars Dave Koz, Kenny G and David Benoit, dominated the instrumental and urban Jazz landscape from the late 80s on with their often exotically titled hit recordings, ...

86

Festival

See Jazz Greats the Rippingtons on June 28

See Jazz Greats the Rippingtons on June 28

Source: All About Jazz

See Jazz Greats The Rippingtons on June 28! Headlining the 2008 Elk Creek Jazz Festival

Get in the pioneer spirit and attend this summer's first annual Elk Creek Jazz Festival, featuring the one-and-only The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman. Also appearing are UK Faculty Jazz, The Randy Villars Band and Alma Y Clave.

The Rippingtons, founded by Grammy-nominated guitarist Russ Freeman in 1986, are still playing strong in their 22nd year. The band has enjoyed tremendous success from the ...

100

Festival

29th Cape May Jazz Festival the Next Wave April 18-20 2008

29th Cape May Jazz Festival the Next Wave April 18-20 2008

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

29th Cape May Jazz Festival The Next Wave April 18-20, 2008 World Class Jazz in America's Original Seaside Resort, Cape May, New Jersey A celebration of America's finest “Young Lions" in Traditional, Blues, and Latin Jazz The Cape May Jazz Festival proudly presents many of the finest “young lions" in jazz today. As a natural successor to our 28th Festival “Favorites Return", the “Next Wave" features an elite up-and-coming new breed of artists: cutting edge musicians ...

82

Festival

The Rippingtons to Headline October 21 Jazz on the Green in SW Florida

The Rippingtons to Headline October 21 Jazz on the Green in SW Florida

Source: Karen Sloan

THE RIPPINGTONS ADD JAZZ ON THE GREEN TO THEIR TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY TOUR Fort Myers, Florida (19 August 2006) - Southwest Florida has come to rely on the annual Jazz on the Green concert to bring the hottest in smooth jazz talent to the region and 2006 is no exception. In keeping with their eleven year tradition of first rate line-ups, Jazz on the Green has announced that legendary jazz band The Rippingtons will headline this year's concert. A complete afternoon ...

116

Music Industry

Yahoo! Events Hosts A CD Listening Party For The Rippingtons New Release Life In The Tropics, Due Out October 10, 2000

Yahoo! Events Hosts A CD Listening Party For The Rippingtons New Release Life In The Tropics, Due Out October 10, 2000

Source: All About Jazz

On October 10, 2000, The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman, one of the supergroups of contemporary jazz, deliver one of their most innovative and creatively diverse projects, Life In The Tropics. This hot new recording features an all-star guest lineup including: Bob James, Dave Koz, Peter White, Paul Taylor, Eric Marienthal and features guest vocals by Howard Hewitt on “I Found Heaven" and new Latin sensation, Daisy Lourdes Villa on “Rhythm of Your Life". A perennial best seller, The Rippingtons' Life ...

Joel August
guitar

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

True Stories

Peak Records
2016

buy

Fountain of Youth

eOne Music
2014

buy

Built to Last

eOne Music
2012

buy

Cote D' Azur

Peak Records
2011

buy

Modern Art

Peak Records
2009

buy

20th Anniversary

Peak Records
2006

buy

Videos

Similar

Earl Klugh
guitar, acoustic
Spyro Gyra
band / ensemble / orchestra
Wayman Tisdale
bass, electric
Fourplay
band / ensemble / orchestra
Eric Marienthal
saxophone, alto
Kim Waters
saxophone
Acoustic Alchemy
band / ensemble / orchestra
Dave Koz
saxophone

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.