I have listened to this CD several times and waited to respond because I wanted let it 'grow' on me or sit with it for a while. This is a good CD. It seems as if this is just a 'base' for which they can really "Rip" it Live/In-Concert. Especially Body Art. If you listen to the Live in La and then go back to the Album/CD version you can see what I mean. I think it is intentionally restrained. That is not a bad thing, but I'd like and will see in July when they come to the Birchmere what kind of solo's will take flight with the songs on the CD. Also, Russ seems to highlight members of the group when writing the songs and has said that he has a particular person in mind and therefore he is not always doing his thing on the guitar. All said this is a very good base CD and hearing them take off on the songs live is the real treat, at least for me.

Tell that to the retailers or iTunes. If you ever are looking for a Ripps CD, it will be in the JAZZ SECTION. They have not yet created a genre called "Music that makes me feel good". Kind of wish they would, would make hunting for CD's a lot easier, like a neon sign flashing "THEO - COME TO MEEEE". Till someone does that, I will find Ripps CD's in the Jazz section, no other current category they fit it would be appropriate. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, guess what folks? It's a duck.

Namaste,
theo

OK... Taunting and flame baiting..... are not required. We get the point by the use of UPPERCASE.

Opinions are opinions... and I know that the written word does not come across as rhetorically as a conversation.

Let's please keep it civil. It has for 11 pages and I don't want to see it degrade.

Thank you.

I was absolutley serious, I would love a section in a music store designed especially for my tastes, that was not sarcasm, iI really think that would be cool. No baiting either kind moderator, just saying they are considered jazz whether they want to think that or not. I still want a neon sign that says "THEO COME TO MEEEE', and I really mean that. I was more than civil.

Back on topic.

Those of us who know Russ... we know that he would never mail or phone anything in. It's not in his nature.

Just like chocolate. I adore chocolate ice cream and am always surprised when people prefer vanilla ice cream.

Modern Art is similar. Just because it's not a favorite flavor... does not mean that Russ slacked off in the writing or the production.

I am getting concerned that my comments are subjective to interpretation, which basically throws the first amendment out the window. I was not taunting or flaming, I don't even know what flaming is personally. And my opinion is he mailed it in, and I'm entitled to feel that way. He has to sell CD's, you think he's going to put out a CD that sounds like Ornette squeaking around for 45 minutes, which I actually would kind of like. Of course he's not, he wants to keep the brand going, that's why he does what he does.

Namaste,
theo

Theo.... this is not the first time that a new board member has brought up their First Amendment rights. No one here really knows you yet. We don't know your style - nor do you know the board's style. Which is why I said that the written word does not have the same effect as conversation.

Yes, all comments are subject to interpretation. You haven't slurred anyone, threatened or done anything which was outlined in the registration agreement.

No one here expects a zombie like, enslaved devotion to the Rippingtons. We are not "pod" people or mindless Stepford wives. People here are savvy about music, c-jazz, rock, pop, radio, broadcasting and a variety of topics. This is not a tribute site... it's a discussion board.

Yes, you are entitled to believe and feel what you posted.

So please, let's discuss without making other boarders feel as if their opinions are wrong. I am just asking for respect for everyone's opinion - including your opinions. Just like I stated last November:



I respect everyone who has posted on this topic. It's a good discussion - but we also have to accept and understand - that others may not agree with our personal opinions. That's fine - and if anyone feels that some of this thread is getting too personal, then please try not to reply or respond too quickly.


Thank you.

Theo, as one of those in the less-than-thrilled faction, I can tell you that Russ most certainly did not "mail it in." If anything, he toiled beyond reason.
This is rather simplistic, but I see it this way. You write a manuscript for what you hope will be a best-selling novel. The plot is good. The characters are good. Everything functions as it should. But you, like most writers, are your own worst critic. There's always something you can improve. So you keep tweaking. You add something here, subtract something there. You extend short chapters because they're too short. You cut long chapters because you don't want readers putting it down after so many pages without a resting point. So in the end, every chapter has the same number of pages. Nothing wrong with that. Not every story needs to have quick-hitter scenes offset by long, drawn-out scenes. And ultimately, you are satisfied with it and send it to a publisher. It's published and it sells well. You've done your job. However, while your plot is an excellent one, and everybody loves your lead characters, some readers find the novel rather bland because supporting characters have names and functions but no depth. They all look the same, talk the same. And other readers are bothered because while you were cutting words you found to be expendable, you eliminated a lot of description about landscapes, buildings, the kinds of cars your characters drive and homes they live in. Your story is good on point, but it lacks color. And readers are a lot like music listeners; they want to live in the world you created. And the absence of setting and limited character depth leave readers unfulfilled. Still, you wrote it and got exactly what you want.
So you should be proud, right?
How would you feel if after all the writing, proofreading, self-editing, revision, agonizing over minute details your readers said you took the easy route?

Hey everyone - I am sorry that I seem to be stirring things up on this thread - not my intention at all. I'm just a suburban soccer mom who has found much happiness in this music - and I thought I'd share some thoughts from that angle. As I have noted many times, I do not have any musical or music industry background on which to base my opinions - and while I do enjoy reading and learning from all of the posts on this board - I fear that my lack of musical sophistication has gotten me in over my head this time - so I will respectfully back myself out of this thread. Peace! : )

Carol... no need to back away, unless you are really uncomfortable. You bring a fresh perspective to everyone, no worries.