Dear everyone,

Isn't it nice to be surprised for once?

The new "Modern Art" mini-site is up and running at the new Rippingtons' Web site.

The new CD has some pleasant songs on it, gauging from the samples.

The song titles are as follows:
1, Modern Art
2, Paris Groove
3, Pastels on Canvas
4, Black Book
5, One Step Closer
6, I Still Believe
7, Body Art
8, Age of Reason
9, Sweet Lullaby
10, Jet Set
11, Love Story

"Modern Art" is a classic-sounding track with Jeff Kashiwa fronting on saxophone.

"Black Book" has an urban feel with some haunting vamps, and Bill Heller's killer keys and piano.

"Jet Set" features Russ Freeman and Bill Heller trading bars and chords as if at an open-air market.

"Paris Groove" has accordion and classical guitar strains. Very European, as expected.

"One Step Closer" is an upbeat track with lots of passion.

"Age of Reason" will remind fans of a song from the "Wild Card" CD a little — "Spanish Girl."

Trumpeter Rick Braun is a special guest star on the recording, which is fantastic.

So far, so good. Liking this groove a lot.

Signed,




Eric Viccaro
Peak Records — The 2008 Smooth Jazz Label of the Year. Period.

It comes out on Tuesday, March 10, my mother's birthday. I like the samples, too. I can't wait to hear the whole thing.

I'm having some difficulty with the Rippington's website. Am I the only one?

So wait.....is Jeff Kashiwa back in the band full time?

probably not. It depends upon the browser version that is integrated with the Flash player on your computer. Flash player 10 and above broke a lot of websites.

Adobe has yet to address the problem.... I've been re-writing websites for months. Adobe did not ensure that the player was backwards compatible with their previous versions of Flash development software, and that has been the major complaint of developers. We shouldn't be forced to upgrade our software for this...

I popped into the site - it was a bit slow for me - and I gave up trying to get into a few areas - but after I disabled my pop up blocker I did manage to take the Guru quiz! : ) As Kat well knows, I am computer challenged, so I am going to have one of my resident computer experts help me out when they get home - and I hope to have a new Ripps ringtone on my cell by the end of the day! Overall, I do like the updates to the site - and, from what I can tell from a quick glance, the new CD looks and sounds great!

Gotta go - I'm getting my hair cut this morning - so (all four inches of) it will grow in just right in time for the Ripps cruise! ; )

Rick with the Ripps. Sweet.

I was having trouble using Mozilla Firefox, but I was able to view the site using IE.

I enjoyed listening to the previews and can't wait for the new release!

I could get to the site at work, but I did not have time to really enjoy it. Now that I am at home, I can only get to the page with the picture of the guys standing there, and there is nothing to click on to do anything else. Sheese.

Mark, move your curser slightly below where it says enter. The script doesn't have it positioned right.

I have to view the site in "compatibility mode" for an older IE browser version. I can't even get it to work in Safari.

In compatibility mode, once I shift the browser window right, I can see the bottom of the screen and the entry links into the site.

This really puzzled me, so I figured that it was my monitor screen which was affecting all my browsers.

I tried changing the screen size... according to the site, you need 1024 x 768 resolution at least to see the entire screen and the entry links. That is what my screen is set for.

I found that you need 1280 x 1024, which distorts the size of the page. I ended up going to 1440 x 900 which works, but is not something we would normally do.

The difference is because of the rows of toolbars and buttons in the browser. They take up space in that 1024 x 768 screen and push the links down below the viewable screen. There's no scroller to move the screen down to get to the links.

If your browser lets you go to full screen mode, like IE... you should be able to view the site - without changing your screen size or removing tool bars.

Huh???????????? ; )

~ RippingKim Commando

You can set your monitor resolution (screen size) to match the website.

Problem is - people add buttons, and tool bars to their browers - like the Google or Yahoo Toolbars. That pushes the content from the website that you want to view - lower on the screen.

Most of the time, it's not a problem - you just go to the right side of the content part of the page (where the website is visible) and you use the arrow to scroll down.

You can't do this with the new Ripps site.

So your option is to to view in "Full Screen" mode of the browser - which hides the tool bars and gives you the entire screen for the content.

Or change your monitor resolution.

I got the site to work by reducing it to 75%. I got a 6 out of 10 on the quiz, and I liked what I heard from the samples Peace and goodwill.

I find that the new site is more pleasing to the eye and seems to have really good potential. Yes, there are "bugs" and unfinished pages, but just give it more time and I'm sure y'all will dig the new look and feel!

Everyone,

Since I know you guys like song lengths, here they are:

1, Modern Art, 4:17
2, Paris Groove, 3:40
3, Black Book, 3:59
4, Pastels on Canvas, 4:55
5, One Step Closer, 4:42
6, I Still Believe, 4:38
7, Body Art, 4:40
8, Age of Reason, 4:28
9, Sweet Lullaby, 4:23
10, Jet Set, 4:15
11, Love Story, 4:05

Rick Braun is special guest on the final track, "Love Story."

Sweet Lullaby was written exclusively by Russ' new wife Yaredt Leon, who penned several of the songs on the "Wild Card" release. Others are also co-written by her, including "I Still Believe," which features a smoldering Bill Heller Hammond b3 solo.

Well, that's it from here.

Signed,




Eric Viccaro
Peak Records — Ready for 2009 with the Rippingtons, Peter White, All-4-One and the Paul Brown/Marc Antoine project

New wife? Did I miss something?

DW,

Russ and Yaredt met some time ago, like 2004 or so I think.

Personally, I think they make one heck of a songwriting team.

Especially the smoldering "I Still Believe," sure to be a hit. Not for radio, but for us.

Signed,




Eric Viccaro
Peak Records — Modern Art, pre-orders start on Feb. 10, 2009!

And everyone,

The full-length cut of "Paris Groove" is now up on both the Peak Records and Rippingtons MySpace sites.

"Paris Groove" is simply awesome, with Bill Heller on accordion to go with Russ Freeman on acoustic guitar, Dave Karasony's drumming and Jeff Kashiwa's saxophone fills.

Sure to be an instant classic.

Signed,




Eric Viccaro
Peak Records — Modern Art, pre-orders start on Feb. 10, 2009!

I loved the short sample of Paris Groove on the website - the accordian just put a smile on my face - can't wait to hear the full length version - I'm on my way to check it out right now. I wonder which, if any, of the new songs they will preview on the cruise next week!?!?!? I can't wait....

Is Bill really on accordion or an accordion setting on keyboard?

Mike,

According to a press release obtained from the Peak Records' Web site, Heller is indeed playing an actual accordion. Not a keyboard patch, per se.

Signed,



Eric Viccaro
Peak Records — "Modern Art" pre-orders begin on Feb. 10!

Everyone,

So, how do you like "Paris Groove" everyone?

I'm digging this groove.

Signed,




Eric Viccaro
Peak Records — "Modern Art" pre-orders begin on Feb. 10!

I can't wait. This sounds so familiar to me.

Here some further information:

http://jazzhq.blogspot.com/2009/02/rippingtons-modern-art-out-31009.html

I just pre-ordered "Modern Art" on Amazon.
And thanks for the info, Eric. I had no idea Bill played accordion. Now, I know.

Shortly after writing the above post, I posted to my blog: http://mikechimeriblog.com/2009/02/09/winter-pre-orders/
"Modern Art" was just one of my pre-orders. Among the rest was Jeff Kashiwa's new solo album.

I'm wondering if those of us going on the upcoming cruise will not only get treated to a few cuts off of "Modern Art", but also as a great perk, maybe even we'll be provided a complimentary copy.....

Everyone,

For what it's worth, the name of the track on the import version of "Modern Art" is "Night Vision."

I wonder if Russ can make it a download if you show proof of purchase for buying the album?

I'd love to hear this added track, and it's vibe.

Signed,



Eric Viccaro
Peak Records — Pre-orders for "Modern Art" are now ripe for the taking.

Live, Bill has a keyboard patch of the actual accordion (according to Russ)

Hi, haven't been on the forum for so long. Glad to be back.

Was excited to see the Ripps bringing out a new album, especially with Jeff on sax, yes! Love his playing. Bit of a shock to find no Kim Stone though. That's how long it has been since I've been into the Ripps site. (Shame on me!!)

Looking forward to the cd. So far, love what I've heard.

We were robbed late last year, and they took my Ripps dvd, so I'll have to somehow retrieve this back again.

Cheers,
Cathy

I pre-ordered it from CD Universe and am anxious to hear it. Now, if they would only come out with a concert DVD. Peace and goodwill.

well, to be honest, the samples didn't exactly light my fire, although they are very good.
I guess I've just "OD-ed" on sax over tha past couple of years and have grown very tired of it as a lead instrument.

I still intend to order it, and I know it'll grow on me like all the Ripps releases do, but I'm not hearing anything major ground breaking in the samples. Except of course, the accordion!

Actually, I just cancelled the preorder with CD Universe and ordered it from the Ripps store because I will get it afew days earlier. Peace and goodwill.

Bassix and everyone,

Well, there is a little something ground-breaking on the track "Black Book" I forgot to mention.

Russ plays electric sitar on the track, which has a vibe similar to "Sapphire Island" from the "Best Of" GRP compilation as well as "Girl With The Indigo Eyes" from "Sahara," but a "modern" twist.

Signed,




Eric Viccaro
Peak Records — "Modern Art" from The Rippingtons in March, and "Foreign Exchange" with Paul Brown and Marc Antoine in April!

The Ripps played several of the new tracks on the cruise. Russ mentioned that "radio" is already fond of "Paris Groove". Bill Heller is the man! He didn't play the accordion live (he had an accordion sample on his keyboard) but it still sounded great. And on one of the tunes BH used some type of vocal synthesizer (in the vein of Peter Frampton's talk box for those old enough to remember it)- it was really cool!!!

Well, it's another snowy day in New England and so I have been spending WAY too much time on the computer - gazing at Kat's palm tree photos and sending out Modern Art E-cards - and now I am more excited than ever to get my hands on the actual CD - it's just a few days away! It will be a real bright spot in this upside down world that we are living in! I am SO looking forward to the summer/09 tour schedule - even though right now it seems as if summer will never get return to these parts.

Still waiting for my copy. Can't await to review it. ;-)

Mine came in the mail today!!! I am listening to it now for the first time. I am up to track five, which is my favorite so far. I like the first one too, and the others, tracks two, three, and four, are good too.

I also bought the T-shirt. Man! am I psyched!

Eric- sorry so long in replying, I've been too busy to do much internet stuff....

A sitar is not ground breaking, dude. Russ has used that sound (while maybe not a real sitar, it still sounds like it) on several past CDs. Sahara's cd had it, I think Brave New World had some sitar in it also. To be honest, it does nothing for me- sounds too twangy and actually is annoying; I have cut the songs that had it in it, out of my collection. (Along with While My Guitar Gently Weeps, that version gives me the shivers....)

Which, by the way, is not a criticism of Russ or his talents; I love the vast majority of his tunes and think he's a brilliant composer. I just don't always like his choice of instrument patches. Comes down to a matter of tastes.

I've listened to the samples several times today (home from work, sick today) and there's some excellent stuff in this one. I'm definitely going to buy it.

Later
TonyY

I'll withhold judgment on the new cd until I've had a chance to listen to it a few times.

Russ is featured this week on Art Good's weekly radio show. Some great interviews with Russ. Russ can be heard mid way through each hour set, between the 25 and 35 min mark. You can hear the full versions of Paris Groove, Black Book, I Still Believe and Body Art (my favorite so far). Can't wait till Tuesday. Click on the link and enjoy.

Dan
http://69.43.173.107/jazztrax/

Got my copy. It's well recorded and sounds great in the car.

I bought it on iTunes today. I think "Modern Art", "Pastels on Canvas", and "Age of Reason" are my faves so far.

Hey guys, I listened down to the new CD today. It's nice, something that I wouldn't mind playing in the background, but not really something that I really want to listen to independently from other things. Still, a very well-crafted and produced project, great musicianship as always. Another success for Russ and the guys. They continue to be incredible.

Thanks,

theo

I really like tracks 1,5,7,10,and 11. The others are good too. The new CD is a bit different, and I like it. Peace and goodwill.

Each song is a gem! Great work by Freeman and the guys!

I wonder if there are any lyrics behind the vocoder on the title track "Modern Art"...

Billy is saying the names of artists - like Picasso - on "Modern Art". It's very cool!

Downloaded it from iTunes (thanks Fendercaster, for reminding me of that with your post!) and made a cd to listen to in the van on the way to work today.

As I said before, going to have to spin this one a few times before passing any "final" judgements on it, but first impressions are that there's about 5 tracks that I really like, and the rest is very good, well performed, excellent musicianship, etc. I got my money's worth for sure, and then some. No vocals to speak of either, and no cover songs, which is good!

Only somewhat negative comment I'll make at this time is a few tracks sound very familiar, (which is good, that's how I know it's Russ and the gang,) but I keep hearing bits and pieces of melodies from other Russ songs and CDs,(in those few tunes)like it's a sampler of all his styles over the years....(and other artists of this style, like Lorber and Chuck Loeb, Wes Montgomery octaves, etc.)
I guess that's to be expected of course, but makes those songs strike me as filler-ish.

Also would love to have the original multitracks, so I could cut out the sitar....just do not like that sound, way too twangy and feels out of place- the rest of that tune is excellent.

I really do like the interplay between Russ anf Jeff K, they obviously have a mental hookup going on there, some sweet riffing together. And I like that there's way more tenor sax and alto than soprano. Jeff seems to bring back a taste of the "classic" Rippingtons for me.

As with all Russ projects, it has to be listened to 10 or 15 times in a variety of settings to even begin to hear all the things going on in the songs. I'm sure it'll grow on me as all of his have, so don't get all mad at my comments or anything- just tossing out the first impressions for now.

later
TY

OUCH! $26.58 on amazon.co.uk!!

how much do you guys pay over there?

Was hoping that the UK version would contain this bonus track that was mentioned, but the track listing on amazon uk doesn't mention it maybe it is Japan only?

I am being disciplined not to listen to the samples so as to make it extra special when I finally get a hold of it.

I hope it's good. The track titles evoke feelings of classic Ripps which has got to be good.

Sitar not so good.
Any rockin' distorted electric guitar solos on this one?

ps. hello.

Not by my standards! LOL I love the album, but the tunes are all pretty "smooth". I am with Bassix on the sitar. I'm of the opinion that a sitar effect and a harmonica have no place in melodic music .

This is not a Ripps album in the vein of Kilimanjaro (lead guitar driven). I do appreciate it for what it is though- really good music, pleasing to the ears.

My impressions:

Once again, outstanding production and musicianship as always.

In terms of overall sound, the album of which it reminds me most is Let It Ripp (solid and tight), with a slight dash of Wild Card (just love the bits of brass thrown in, not quite enough though). Melody-wise Russ once again manages to conjure up unbelievably catchy tunes, just when one thinks there cant possibly be many more variations available.

There’s something for everybody though, from the pump and drive of Modern Art, to the familiar groove and foot-tapping bassline of Body Art, to the smiley weekend sunset drive flavour of Love Story (thanks Mr.Braun), to the breathtaking beauty of Sweet Lullaby.

The album has a good balance of guitar, sax, and keys, but my unquestionable favourite element of this release, has got to be the loads of acoustic guitar. Love it! I feel spoilt. Blame it on Ocean Song and more recently Gypsy Eyes and Spanish Girl for the 'we want more' approach. I still at times dream of Russ hooking up with Greg Carmichael for some tunes in the near future.

If I were to hint at some measure of disappointment, and more of a footnote really, then I’d say I was hoping Russ would perhaps throw in something containing that signature Ripps groove which got me hooked in the first place, and which has been missing from the later releases. Refer: Morocco, or the opening 50 seconds of Tourist In Paradise, or Mark Portmann’s Zymol. I’m sure you Rippaholics know what I’m referring to?

In closing, I’m more than happy with Modern Art, and many thanks to Russ and the boys for giving us some sanity in this crazy world.

Cheers

Overall a nice release with very catchy melodies. Great to hear Jeff's sax- what a perfect fit.

The only things that I could have wished for were a few less "programmed" percussion/drums. Dave K sounds like he was used minimally and even when live drums are heard there seems to be additional programming on top of him. I keep thinking what Steve Reid could have of added to these songs.

Favorite track is Modern Art - classic Ripps opener. The only thing making that track better would have been Russ shredding a solo. Song keeps building up and up and no "harder" electric riff came.

Hello,

I am back again. After giving "Modern Art" several, and I mean several listens to, I have decided it is not as good as "Twenty", but better than anything since "Black Diamond". Just my views though.

theo

Blimey ,I turn my back for five minutes and Kim Stone has left ,Jeff Kashiwa is back and Russ has married again .
This is better than Coronation Street

I really like Jeff's playing. He really goes for it in a few places. Of the Rippintons CDs from the 2000's, I like these the best:

Live Across America
Let It Ripp
20th Anniversary
Modern Art

A nice album but, for me, a big disappointment. Every song is nice, which means I don't find myself tempted to skip any tracks. Still, I find the overall project to be bland - something I haven't said about a Rippingtons release since Black Diamond, and my main problem with BD was the extensive use of drum programming. Once I got over that (I never get completely over it, but occasionally can learn to live with it), I started to like BD more.
I'm not sure I'll like Modern Art any more 5, 10, 15 years from now than I do today.
Part of the problem is it wasn't until track 7, Body Art, that I really got into anything. Part of it is that while Dave Karasony is the "drummer," I don't feel him much. Could be because Russ did "rhythm programming" (and it sounds like it) on most tracks, or maybe it's just the songwriting didn't give him much to work with. And a big part of the problem is we seem to have lapsed back into the 1990s, where every song on a smooth jazz CD is in that radio-safe zone of 4 minutes (Paris Groove - 3:39, Pastels on Canvas - 4:55, the other 9 tracks somewhere in between).
Again, it's not bad. There is nothing not to like.
But after Let It Ripp, Wild Card and 20th Anniversary, to say nothing of their having 2 years to work on these new songs, I find the cover art much more pleasing than the music.
BTW, Age of Reason is pretty good, too, but structurally similar to Body Art. And Sweet Lullaby is a very good ballad.

Thanks, Jazzwriter. I've been looking for a description of this album, and you just nailed it: its nice. A couple of the songs could have come right off a Peter White album: pleasant, middle-of-the-road Smooth Jazz.

Not exciting, breaks no new ground (except maybe the accordion), and is just a nice listen. For me, thats a little disappointing coming from Russ and company. I expect (and hope for) more from them.

Thanks again for hitting it on the nose.

Best,

SteveC

Any time, Steve.

Woody, I think I'm feeling you on this one...

Overall, great musicianship, well crafted tunes, lots of production going on etc. Excellent keys by Billy H, good foundations by Rico (or is that programmed also...)and Karasony. (Or, is that a program too? Just sounds too perfect at times, and no discernable variations that a human would normally make- so either it's a machine, or Karasony is becoming one )
Still one of the most talented drummers I've ever seen live.

But overall this recording is just not very exciting to me.

Tracks 1,3,5, and 7 are the ones getting repeat plays in my player. I've been listening to it on the way to work and back, so I hear pretty much the whole thing once per day (unless I'm riding my bike, a bit tough to listen then ).

The more I listen, the more vanilla it seems to be- I thought about putting a tempo (beats per minute) meter on it; it all seems to have that same laid back groove, and in some places just seems too slow altogether. That's fine in a ballad style, but disappointing on what could have been more upbeat rockers.

And I think that right there sums it up for me...

Not nearly enough rock, way too much smooth.

I love the Ripps most when they are, well, Ripping. That's what drew me to them in the first place, the fusion of rock/jazz, more like rock for adults with more tastes for melodies than lyrics.

This release is missing that, in my book at least....I know they can do it, I've seen them enough for it to be proven; why can't the studio versions be more like that?

I can hear the potential for a couple tunes (#5 in particular) to be great live butt-kickers, but they certainly aren't that on the studio versions.

All that being said, I do have to give a standing ovation to Billy Heller, there are some smokin keys passages on here, he's certainly an excellent player, maybe the best so far. (Best performance on an accordion too.)
And the riffing call-and-response between Billy and Russ is a showcase for their skills....Russ still is a virtuoso player.

I guess my expectaions were too high, I mean this is great by comparison to the rest of the music industry at this time, but compared to previous Ripps efforts, it a tad dull and predictable.

Ok, haters, go ahead and jump on me, but I have to say it...this one is coming out of the cd player and it'll be a while before it gets back in- there is a lot of other music out there that gets my juices flowing, so I'd rather listen to that than music that's too much in the "mold" of smooth jazz....
I don't feel like I got burned on the purchase or anything, it's still good enough to buy and listen to occasionally, but it won't be very often.
Sorry, Russ and Co- just my honest opinion.

Later
TonyY

Hmmm....

This is so true! Karasony flat-out rocks live!!! In fact, they all do. I believe it's hard to capture that same element in the studio (or using ProTools like most musicians do now).

Nor surprisingly, two of my favorite Ripps albums are the two live ones. Coincidence? Maybe.....maybe not. Hmmm.......

I agree that it is missing some fire or pizzazz, but that does not bother me so much. There are Ripps CDs that I like much better, but I still like this one enough to listen to it. Peace and goodwill.

I appreciate the candidness of the comments. I was going to go buy this cd today but I think I will take a pass or take a chance on Chuck Loeb's new one instead.

I don't understand the heavy use of programming when there are so many bandmembers. What is the point? I particularly don't care for their style of slow balads or any singing and find I only care for about 1/2 the songs on recent releases. Sounds like this one may appeal even less. I know we hate to label with genres but I guess they have abandoned c-jazz for cookie cutter smooth jazz.

Who would have thunk Ken Navarro would evolve to making more exciting cd's than The Rippingtons? You go, Ken!!

I've been pretty quiet, because sometimes the newer folks think that my opinion is being voiced as the moderator - rather than a Ripps fan.

I would agree that this CD doesn't have the overall vibe of Killimanjaro, or even Sahara. But music and the times and the age we were and our age now - make everything different. Even the rock today doesn't resemble what we heard in 1994.

I'm not sure why Black Diamond always gets the "mark" - but I think sometimes it's because the CD marks the point at which both Jeff and Steve moved on - and the sound started to change.

I wasn't surprised or disappointed with Modern Art, it met my expectations.

Do I want another Sahara or Brave New World? Yes, I'd like to re-capture that feeling when I would first get the CD and rush home with it. These days, with all the pre-release sampling and hype - I just don't feel the excitement and anticipation anymore - but that has little to do with the music.

Yes... I'd like to hear Russ more on electric guitar, and I'd like everything to have more rock and edge, less soft. But that's "just me" across the board - just because I'm older, doesn't mean I'm ready for something softer.

Think about this - we used to classify hard rock vs soft rock in the 70's. I loved Led Zeppelin, but Bread just left me wondering what the point was.... so I don't want my music to be watered down like Bread - just because I'm older.

Sadly, Modern Art is SJ formula music. It’s an even bigger disappointment (re: Woody’s point, above) because fans have been waiting for this one for two and a half years.

In the October ’06 SmoothViews, Russ said this to Shannon West: “The other thing that really impressed me on the tour this summer and really hit me with having Jeff and Steve in the band is how much our fans want this to be a rock band. This is a rock band.”

Russ is, needless to say, a very capable guy, but this time he phoned it in.

Even with all the programming I LOVED Black Diamond! Perhaps it was the added touch of Mark Williamson on the scatting type vocals or the wickedly lively Angelfire but I played the daylights out of that cd. Very unique I thought.

Steve, I love it, too -- now. The first couple of years or so I had it, I didn't play it much because of the programming. But even then, I enjoyed the title song, North Peak and Angelfire right off the bat. Oh, and this may surprise some of you. But despite my misgivings about anything that is heavy on programming or is generally described as "catchy," I've always liked In Another Life. It's right up there with If You Will from Spyro Gyra's Got the Magic, in that realm of: Songs that, based on well-established aversions to programming and catchy, should be hated but I enjoy anyway.
And let me be clear, I do like Modern Art. I just find it lacking pizazz for the reasons stated earlier. I couldn't say that about Black Diamond even when I didn't care for it much. Angelfire made sure of that.

Yeah, Steve, I'll have to chiome in on Black Diamond also- after ignoring it for several years, it's become on of my favorite Ripps albums....there's spots of repetition here and there, and the programming is a bit too obvious in stopts, but overall it was very well crafted AND had passion to it. Goes to show acoustic guitar can move you there too....Russ didn't use much electric on that one.
Angelfire. Great stuff. North Peak. also.

Back to this one- I really am feeling a bit manic depressive on this one- there are moments when Billy H is smoking the keys, Russ is throwing out riff after riff, everything is working; but then there's a long wait before that kind of passionate fire comes around again, and it gets a bit boring, same-sounding as most other SJ artists out there. Jeff and Russ clearly enjoy playing together, ditto for Russ and Billy- it shows in those moments.
I guess I was just hoping for more of that and less of the formula "sound" to some of the songs.
However, I won't go so far as to say Russ and Co "phoned it in"...they are that kind of people- it may not have come out of the box with everything I'd hoped it would, but I'm sure they worked hard at it. The end result is still a very high quality disc, especially by comparison to the rest of this genre (which, by the way, I've totally abandoned.)

Maybe in a couple years when I drag this one back out, it'll sound fresh. But for now, it sounds too similar to the rest of this marketplace.

Later
TonyY

Hi there,

Received my copy 2 days ago and now I feel 'Artyfied' to express my opinion here.
A great produced cd with Ripps tunes as you would expect. Overall catchy tunes, with fav's so far: Opener Modern art, paris groove, I still believe and body art. I have to agree with doctor woody on the drum programming... don't like the electric sound of it. Also no somewhat heavier guitar parts are most welcome here... but no.

Not t sound negative, all in all a great addition to my ripps collection (all of them... :D)

Regards from Holland
Edward

On the subject of percussion in general, I think it adds a lot to the music. Just saw Greg Adams on the Smooth Cruise and his fave percussion dude Johnny Sandoval just was hot - and added to the sound of the other artists.

I know many of you long for Steve Reid, and I'll agree that he added a lot to the early tunes. I just think that in the later years, he got too wrapped up in all of his gadgets and eccentricities - and stopped adding to the musical vibe. People would watch him and hear with their eyes.... meanwhile,I was trying to hear the percussion in all the flash. I never heard it... and it bothered me, it was present with Ramon and Scotty - but the fans wanted Steve Reid....and so he was back.

Just my 2 cents... I don't think the vibe that some folks are looking for would have been present with percussion and non-programming.... Modern Art is a melody presentation, not a rock-fusion presentation.

Good summation Kat. Additionally, I would like to hear more feedback from y'all about Rico's contribution to the band. I was expecting him to be a Kim-Clone, but he's not. I will always be a KS fan, but Rico is outstanding. I love the vibe he brings!

I also appreciate Kat's observations and opinions regarding the new release. As someone who has pretty much been on this board from the onset,I even enjoyed Tony Morales' freqent "blogs" about their tours/concerts back in the Prodigy days. During this transition from contemorary jazz benchmarks were early Ripps/Nelson Rangell's Yes, then Yes,/and of course Spyro releases. As all the new "smooth" transitions have been occuring and turning away not only radio stations and customers, I have yet to hear a true fan of this c jazz express their excitement that drum programming/loops were used. I agree with Kat that Modern Art is a melody presentation,and a wonderful one at that. However, I would think hearing some actual perscussion;drums might set it apart and give it more vibe than the oversynthed, programmed drums with the hollow crash cymbal. There is so much more smooth crap in the marketplace not to choose to spend my money on. It upsets me to know this release will probably get lumped into this when I know Russ could have done much better.

Kim is one of my closest friends on the planet...when my Mom passed away, he listened to me cry that night- for hours, and never lost patience.

I think it's hard for anyone to be a Kim-Clone. Kimet is one of a kind and always will be! He has a combo of coolness and melody that I think goes back to his admiration of Mingus. Kim always has a way of bringing that into his playing. You feel it in your heart and head.

Rico is a true gem... he lays down the groove, plays nice and solid to Dave - and there's a great pocket there. it makes me smile when I listen to them, there's a drive there. Rico brings a funky, groovy vibe that drives the band but never leaves the pocket. His playing is effortless... funky and not contrived or gimmicky. The effect is that you feel it in your gut.

Kim is cool jazz, Rico is groove - and I like listening to both.

As for the percussion... drums, etc - I like the live feel. even though I played keyboards and programmed my share of drums and bass lines, for me - nothing beats the feel of the real deal. If it doesn't hit in the heart and the gut, it's not real. (and probably not worth listening to!)

again... just my 2 cents.

OK, have to fix a typo here....in my previous post I said "However, I won't go so far as to say Russ and Co "phoned it in"...they are that kind of people- it may not have come out of the box with everything I'd hoped it would, but I'm sure they worked hard at it." what I MEANT was "However, I won't go so far as to say Russ and Co "phoned it in"...they are NOT that kind of people- it may not have come out of the box with everything I'd hoped it would, but I'm sure they worked hard at it."

Sheesh...need to learn to type, huh...

Anyway- Kat, I like what you said here- it is a melody fest.
And, of course, we both know there is NO ONE like Kim Stone. Great person and inspirational bassist.
Rico seems to fit in well here- although I'm ( you gotta expect this) NOT hearing any really challenging bass lines except in one or two cuts. Honestly, I feel like some portion of the bass work may have been programmed also. It's really hard to tell: either he's extremely good and precise, or it's Russ's programming. But, if it really is Rico, then yeah, excellent work from him- I wish I was that clean.

However, it just doesn't seem right without Kim- just me I guess...

Another thing about drums/percussion...Kat hit the nail on the head here also; it leaves a hole when you don't have it live, and when you leave out someone like Scott Breadman. Steve Reid's flamboyance (sp) while originally refreshing and original had become somewhat of a parody.

I will say the more I listen to it, there are a few more cuts that I am sitting through without hitting the skip button...overall, it's still a great cd (from the melody perspective anyway) and it's growing on me.

Same here. In terms of listening pleasure, there's nothing unfavorable about this album. Maybe it's too perfect/precise. As for Rico, I get the feeling he's playing but with the aforementioned precision that was demanded. In another discussion referring to R&B music, I lamented what I perceived as an absence of real bass players and drummers in a lot of the songs I was hearing at the time. Someone more knowledgeable about R&B than I said it wasn't that they didn't have bassists and drummers; it's that the songwriters/producers/album artists insisted things be done a certain way.
Oh, and Tony, I read what you said as intended, despite the absence of "not" in those sentences. Which goes to show you that the mind often reads what it thinks is there - sort of like that demonstration where they type a setnecne wtih the ltteres scarmbeld to see if you can read it without rearranging them.

Speaking from personal studio experience, I have found most standard (emphasis on standard) R&B and Pop music have producers and songwriters that desire simple and precise playing. Neo-Soul, Gospel and Blues are a bit looser. Even some smooth jazz music has simple precise playing. With the Ripps, the 'stretching out' comes in the live shows. I'm sure Rico can do a 'lil sum sum' or else Russ wouldn't have asked him to join the band.

I agree about the simple and precise - for classic soul and R&B.

Saw one of the most extraordinary performances since I saw the Funk Brothers on July 4th at the Montreal Jazz Fest.

Jason Miles' Soul Summit - the 2nd one... at Berks Jazz Fest. The rhythm section was Steve Ferrone on drums, Bob Babbit (Funk Brother) on bass, Jeff Golub on guitar and Reggie Young on guitar. It was glorious and felt perfect. The hooks, the riffs, the drums.... perfect!

DW;
yeah, I agree, Rico is probably capable of excellent play, I'was just saying I'm not hearing anything exceptional on this cd.
And the tone, exact volume level, never a more "human" like tweak to the bassline, occasional string squeak, no matter how faint, articulation variations.....it's just not there, which makes me question if it's "live" or programmed. When the bassline is exactly the same verse to verse, it usually means a loop- at least to my ears.
And simple and precise, for r&b....not for old school, they had a feel and sound to the bass lines that exuded energy, whether simple or more pounding (Larry Graham example).

Kat, that's a great lineup, wish I could have heard that one- the level of quality there would have been almost abmormally high....gotta love being in the presence of genius.

Enough said on this one....it's still a pleasant cd to listen to, just not what I expected, that's all. Still waaaay better than anything else in the smooth jazz genre.
But, I can get my "fix" for energy and power chops through other bands, more on the rock side of the road. And lately, that's more where I've been listening.

Later
TY

Case in point for precise playing. If y'all go to my myspace page (www.myspace.com/thefunkfather) and listen to the JPSteele demo, what you hear me playing is exactly what HE wrote and wanted me to play it exactly that way.

For what it's worth. AAJ

AAJ did a very accurate and non-critical review. Regarding the "4 minute song" target, it seems to me they have been doing this for the last 3-4 cd's

Woody, great job on the review. I agree with what you said..."restrained" is a good way to put it. It's more about comfortable listening pleasure, rather than gettting your juices flowing.

DW, listened to the JP Steele demo....nice work there my friend! Simple, not so much- the bass lines had some interesting stuff going on, rather than just outlining the fundamental notes. You did play them precisely, but they aren't dull and bland for sure.
He did a nice job of writing the basslines.

The vocals, however...

Simon would have said atrocious, Randy would have said "pitchy, dog" and Paula would have gushed about admiring the taking a chance on making it in the music business, and would have advised following Britney Spears lead about using active pitch correction.
Kara, well, she'd probably say "not hearing star quality here..."

Just poking fun, dude....nice work on the demo though, for your part of it.

Later
TY

Thanks, Tony.

Thanks, Tony. I hated those basslines but he was adamant about them being played the way he wrote them. And LOL about the vocals! Suffice it to say, he's no longer doing music that I'm aware of. Those recordings were done about 10 years ago.

Back on subject. I think sometimes some loose creativity should come into play. Granted The Ripps/Russ and Spyro Gyra are 2 different entities but listen to SG's first track on the new record. I'd love to find that kind of energy from a current Ripps recording! Go back to what the Rippingtons name meant!

A very nice interview with Russ Freeman and a "Modern-Art" album review are available on http://www.smoothviews.com
However, I think that the album reviewer got confused Heler with Karasony and vice-versa (Maybe they'll correct it later ).

I must have missed it, or they corrected it before I read it. Anyway, Russ says something in the interview that was also in the press kit that I got, about how they played these songs live. Have any of you heard these songs in concert? How do the live versions compare to what's on the CD?

I know we have done a little bit of "panning" with Modern Art. But I can seriously say I could listen to "Age of Reason" about 20 times in a row and not get tired of it. The chorus and bridge are great.

Namaste,
Theo

I think Shannon hit it in the first 3 paragraphs of her review. It's what I tried to say in an earlier post - it met my expectations.... and that these days, I don't feel the excitement of when music was new. I hadn't spoken to Shannon, so when I read her words, it was as if she read my mind!

http://www.smoothviews.com/cdreviews/rippingtons_modernart.htm

While I suppose I am not qualified to make an assesement since I haven't heard the cd yet but that review sounds like an excuse for the cooler than normal reception towards it.

It would seem to me Russ covered the smoother, safer, programmed approach with his solo albums with Benoit, Chaquico and quite frankly 1/2 the songs on recent Ripps releases. Just because it's not the 90's anymore doesn't mean you have to play mellower more programmed music (???). I'm glad a lot of bands like Spyro and now Ken Navarro try to keep moving forward to maintain that creative edge that made them unique among other also rans. In the case of SG, no there will probably never be another Three Wishes but The Deep End and Good To Go Go are just as good and cutting edge as anything they made from that era. But at the same time I don't really have a problem with it. It's Russ' band. He may lose a few fans but he may also gain a few. Fortunately there is a ton of great music out there to choose from.

Shannon West is a skilled interviewer and writer, an intelligent lady who knows more about music and musicians than I will ever know. However, in the summation paragraph of her review she makes a statement with which I must, respectfully, take exception.

She writes, “Yes, there are some songs that fit a format, but that was the case from the beginning.”

Nocturnal Playground, Moonlighting, Kilimanjaro, Tourist in Paradise, these works didn’t fit a format; they set a standard. They helped to establish a new format. Remember the retrospective DVD that came with Twentieth Anniversary? They didn’t even know how to categorize Rippingtons’ music in the early days.

Freeman is a gifted musician and composer. He’s a proven innovator. Modern Art may represent where Freeman is today, but if so, it’s less a linier evolution and more a sharp left turn after Wildcard and Twentieth Anniversary. Okay, I like Paris Groove. The whole project is melodic and pleasant. But “pleasant” is not what drew me to the Rippingtons in the first place.

In interviews, Freeman regularly makes the point that he appreciates his fans. Many of us are disappointed over Modern Art precisely because it does fit a format with too few innovators. It is not what we have come to expect from this extraordinary talent.

That said, Modern Art has done nothing to shake my status as a diehard Ripps fan.

Ken

Well, I have finally listened to "Modern Art" start to finish. I was fortunate enough to hear a live preview of some of the songs on the Ripps cruise - and I liked what I heard, so I was a bit taken aback by the less than positive reviews that I read on this board (but I am respectful of, and open to, the opinions of others). Having now listened to the entire CD I can say that I feel a bit differently than those who were not "satisfied" with it. I agree with Shannon's thought (if I am interpreting it correctly) - that it might be difficult for long time fans to re-capture the "love at first sight" feeling - because we have been with them for so very long - there is a comfort level and, I think, sometimes a more mellow, yet deeper emotional reaction that occurs for me when I hear new Ripps tunes. To me it is not a bad thing, and perhaps it is a very good thing as I am now able to appreciate this music on a more mature level. I love the energy of "Bingo Jingo", as well as many of the other songs, on "20" and, so far, I especially like "Modern Art" and "Paris Groove" on the new CD - and I do find the other new songs to be very moving - each in a different way (I'll spare you my individual song reviews). I can hear and feel old and new Ripps in many of these songs - so I'm surprised that others can't. My husband, who is more of a "technical" listener (as opposed to my emotional listening style) very much enjoyed the new CD as well. We both agree that there is some great Billy "stuff" and Russ and Jeff sound SO good together. I guess that we also appreciate (enjoy?) the "cripness/precision" of this new CD more than other fans seem to. Perhaps our heads are in a place similar to where Russ is at in this stage of our lives. Of course there is often more palpable energy and variation when one is fortunate enough to see/hear the Ripps (or any band) live, but I am still very moved by the songs on this new CD - there is a different level to this music (that I can't quite put my finger on) that we are really enjoying. I suppose that I can wrap it up like this - I will never feel like a teenager again, but I do feel wiser and more in tune (ha ha) with life as I get older - sure, there's plenty of the same old, same old, but if I pay attention I can see that there is something new and exciting to be done/learned/experienced everyday and I feel that vibe when I listen to "Modern Art" - I do feel something old and something new and I will be listening to it again and again. I have noticed in posts over the years that fans' favorite songs are all over the place. There are certain songs that most of us really love and then other "random" songs that some of us love more than others. I think that touches on the point that over time one can see that there is "somthing for everyone" in Russ's music. I have never had a favorite Ripps CD - just favorite songs scattered on different CDs, some with more favorites than others. This new CD may not be a favorite for everyone, but it is one on which I can say that have found many songs that I truly enjoy. I would also guess that, the world being as it is these days, many of us are feeling a bit "numb". I suspect that this makes it more difficult for us to enjoy anything as deeply as we did not so long ago. Other things are clouding our minds. I am happy to have the Ripps (old and new) on hand to give me some peace and comfort during these troubled times - maybe that is why some are feeling a yearning for the music of days gone by - it is comforting to go back to better days. Hopefully there are better days, and even more great Ripps tunes, in our future! : )

Funny how a day or two changes one's mind. I was going to not say anything else because it reaches a point where it amounts to beating the proverbial dead horse. However, after reading Ken's and golfwidow's posts, I have to throw in 2 more cents.
First on the issue of what Shannon said, I think she's right. For years, I questioned whether the Rippingtons should even be considered a smooth jazz band because the style of music played on many of those early albums, while still very good music, seemed more pop oriented. Now the format itself may not have been defined for another 4 or 5 years, but I think the overall sound of Moonlighting, Kilimanjaro and Tourist in Paradise is clearly within the format. Also, the Rippingtons more so than other groups that are considered smooth jazz covered quite a few R&B songs and had guest vocalists before it became fashionable to do so. So when they did that sort of thing on albums like Sahara and Brave New World, it wasn't an issue - not the way it was, to me at least, when Billy Cliff crooned on a Spyro Gyra album, and Michael McDonald started showing up everywhere. I accepted it from the Rippingtons because it's part of what they've done from Day 1. For my tastes, though, I was happier when they didn't have a vocalist singing straight R&B.
Now, as to the negative comments, I think I can speak for all who have expressed some degree of disappointment when I say that it's not about falling out of love with the Rippingtons. That's oversimplifying things. I don't know of any fan of any artist who has loved every song on every album to the same degree. Different music moves us (or fails to move us) in different ways. If we could so easily fall out of favor with a band, a lot of us would have bailed on Spyro Gyra after Got the Magic (some maybe even sooner). No, I think in the case of Modern Art, it's the belief that Russ made more of a concerted effort to fit the format - in the 1990s, 2 or 3 "radio friendly" songs per album was the norm, but to do it for an entire album seems forced rather than natural. And the perfectionist approach has some of us feeling that except for Jeff Kashiwa (and Bill Heller in a couple of places), the other musicians are just playing notes rather than being into the music themselves. I've never felt that way about a Rippingtons album.
When I prepare to write a review by an artist I'm hearing for the first time, I set limits. If I'm not feeling it by the end of the 3rd song, I cancel the review. With Modern Art, I was on track 7 - Body Art - before I felt motivated.
It's not a pleasant feeling getting a new project by a favorite band, and halfway through the CD I'm still not sure if I'm going to write anything. Rather frightening, actually, because what does it say about a relationship when a 20-year fan struggles to find enough good things to say?
Modern Art is still good music through and through. And maybe 2 or 3 years from now, I'll have a better appreciation for it - just as it took me a while to better appreciate Got the Magic.
But for now, I'll listen with a great deal less excitement than I've had for any previous Rippingtons recording.

I don't think anyone is saying they don't like the new record. In my case, I used to wait in anticipation for a new record to hear something new and fresh and mind blowing. I came to The Ripps right after TIP (a cousin of a friend who happened to work for Rolling Stone Mag was reviewing the record and gave me a promo cassette (yes cassette) and I was blown away! Curves Ahead came around and the title track blew my mind and that's where I set my expectation level thinking how would Russ out do that record! I'm still waiting! All the subsequent records are good and well recorded with excellent musicianship. I honestly like them all but after my setting that bar, nothing has eclipsed Curves Ahead in MY OPINION! Having said that, I guess I'm one of those folks who can't get past a certain age of music (I long for the days of the 70's and 80's songwriting Pop and Jazz alike). It's also why I like covers of classic songs. I'll always support The Ripps as I have received a lot of pleasure in seeing and hearing them live and I also have every record including every band member's (past and present) records! I think the consensus is that there is nothing NEW or INNOVATIVE on the new record and the fact that we hold Russ' songwriting in such high esteem, we still wait patiently for the time to come again where he'll go left on us and thrill us with something from out of leftfield.

Heck, I like it better than Wild Card; I recorded the six tunes I liked from that and traded it in to FYE.

Like I said before, it is not too exciting nor energetic, but I like several of the tunes and dislike none. I wish there was more interaction between the whole band, but it is what it is. I still play it, and I will buy the next one too.

Basically, for those of us that are musicians out there, and are trying to make a living doing it, I tend to look at it a different way. The Ripps are not doing 50-75 shows to promote a CD, so it's about sales. It's a business, and the Ripps are the flagship of Russ's own label, even though it's under the Concord umbrella. It's still about moving units. So he does what he's been doing for the last several years, he appeals to the lowest common denominator. He taps into what is hot in the genre and cranks out similar stuff. It used to be the other way around, but I noticed a change around Brave New World. There are guys out there that live off of being road dogs and that's great. Russ maybe did that in the past, but not so much anymore. Some of us are studio junkies and thrive off of that. I've been both and I can't decide which one I enjoy more. Sure the Ripps sound great live, they are pretty tight considering they don't gig much. I still enjoy 2-3 tunes from Modern Art, so it won't become a coaster like my Life in the Crapics CD.

The bottom line is Russ is in the business of selling CD's, which means he will continue to appeal to the lowest common denominator. I just think he shot a little too low this time.

Namaste,
theo

Wow, this has been a super thread. I'm somewhere in the middle after giving it a couple more listens. Its a really good CD, but missing the punch I have always expected (and found) in Russ' work.

Like others, I still remember the thrill of the first listen of Curves Ahead, Aspen, TIP, and the like. This is indeed a different day.

Best.

I think it's a little too easy to analyze Russ's actions in terms of what we know about the market place.

Modern Art reflects what Russ is into these days - there is melody all round him, after all his wife is a prolific songwriter.

I miss the sound of Russ on electric guitar, but I think these days, he is playing more and more acoustic. I don't think it diminishes the music - or the melodies.

for more on what Russ is doing these days, please visit and check out his art and photography:
http://www.russfreeman.com/

Another review:

http://www.smoothvibes.com/movabletype/archives/001179.html

It's really easy to analyze...If you don't move units and don't gig. then you're going to be home on your couch watching Oprah and Dr. Phil. Look, how many comments have I read that Russ mailed it in? At least 1, I know I've thought it for years. OF COURSE HE'S MAILING IT IN!!! He has units to move. I'm not faulting him at all, If I was in his shoes, I would try to get away with the same thing, especially with the autonomy he has at his own label. The melodies are still o.k., like I have said before, I totally dig Age of Reason from Modern Art. But come on, the smooth jazz, contemporary jazz, pop jazz genre has jumped the shark for quite some time now. Even though trends can by cyclical, right now, it is even more of a niche genre than it ever was.

For quite a few years I anticipate the next release from Pat Metheny more than I do the Ripps, and that's not because of the different styles of music, I just think Pat is a better improviser than Russ, and I like to hear Pat "speak". Russ wins in the catchy melody department. But when I think of the essence of Jazz, it comes down to opening up for solos, not trading 4's or crap like that, but real into it improvisation. And from that standpoint, Pat is tops in my book. And to be fair, Pat has put out some stuff I enjoyed less than any Rippingtons CD. His "Quartet" CD was too experimental. Appreciate what he was trying to say, just didn't work for me.

I'm not banging on Russ, keep doing what you do, you have plenty of herded sheep out here, I consider myself one of them...baaaaaah. I look forward to what's next.

Namaste,
theo

While it leans towards contemporary/smooth/whatever jazz, I don't feel that the Ripps music actually fits squarely into a specific category/genre - that's what makes it so cool to me - one can go through their many CDs and find a song to fit just about any mood, situation or setting and still, somehow (IMO), there is usually something "Rippingtonish" about most of the tunes. I wish that you all could have been on the Ripps cruise in February - what they gave the fans was so much more than a "mail in". The same has been true for the last several times that I have seen them live. I know that this thread is about a CD and not so much live performances, but there is a great deal of work that goes into pulling a CD and/or a tour together and I don't think that this should be minimized - whether one likes the CD or not. Of course they need to make a living and put food on the table - don't we all? Of course no one can please all of the people all of the time - and I admire the risk that Russ and the band takes with each new CD. As I stated before, I like Ripps songs (and the songs of other artists) because of how they make me feel, not because of how they fit into a certain genre (or not). I am not even sure of the point that I am trying to make at this moment - I just think that we should respect the talent and hard work that goes into these productions - it is not something that should be taken for granted. As I've also stated previously, I have no musical skills or talents upon which to base my opinions - but I do love the Ripps. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

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.

Thanks Kat. I don't really have much more to say on this topic - so I figure that it is best for me to move along - before I put my foot in my mouth or shoot myself in the foot! Don't worry - I'm not losing any sleep over it!

....and I will now head to the kitchen to bake brownies and strudel - for any laughing lurkers who I might run into in the future! : ) That's the Spirit!

I have listened to the entire CD more than 20 times in the last month... I initially shared the same likes of the CD as most of the previous posters. Paris Groove was catchy to me at first, but the appeal faded. Body Art is definitely a tune that would be enjoyed live. I have always found myself drawn toward Russ in most Ripps songs, and the one track that I can't get enough of from this CD is Love Story. For some reason it has a hold on me, & wants to played first, and more than once every time I open the CD. The last time a Ripps tune took me on a ride like this was after I heard the song Virtual Reality about 5 times - I was addicted to it... One of those sleeper tunes that just keeps silently pulling you in till you can't ignore it ! FWIW, I feel that the CD is another solid chapter for the Rippingtons, and a welcome addition to my library that I will enjoy for years to come. I hope to hear a few of the tracks live when I go to see them in June !

Good CD but it doesn't seem to have the 'saying power' of previous albums for me when I listen to it over and over again.

Russ, if your listening, I agree with one point that Gemstoned makes. Body Art would be a great song to hear live. I hope you include that in your set list. I really do love the cd. You all do a great job and never disappoint. I'm really looking forward to see everyone at the Hartford Jazz Fest, or maybe in Boston at Scullers.
All the best, Dan

...I'm baaaaaaack! : )

Drove to Boston and back last weekend (I wish that it had been a trip to Scullers, but it was not) - my husband has a nice sound system in his vehicle - we popped in Modern Art, cranked it up and played it over and over again - and I just have to tell you that we thoroughly enjoyed it!

...I'm heading back to the kitchen...

I still need to pick this up. The reviews that I have read have been pretty much what I pictured. A bit disappointed to hear that excessive drum programming was used. Then again, that was pretty much the norm back in the early days of The Ripps.

I'll have to run out and get it, though. The Rippingtons and Lee Ritenour were the two who REALLY got me into smooth jazz back in the 80's, so it's very sentimental with me.

well, listened to it while on the treadmill last week...with my good in-ears. I will say the basslines are decent and the bass playing by Rico is excellent, after my initial impression that they were basically unnoticable or so generic as to not stand out.

I'll take that back, for sure; he's got some chops, I just didn't notice it so much in the original mix- this is not a bass heavy recording, very balanced, but if you bring up the bass just a tad, it opens up the warmth and you can catch the groove more easily.
Good work by Rico, Kim Stone left some tough shoes to fill.

But....I'd love to hear some of these live, I'm sure that would transform them.

Later
TonyY

Modern Art and Body Art are growing on me.

Well......It's been awhile since I've beeb on the boards. Still a Ripps fan, still have all the cds (including the original Passport Jazz versions, Nocturnal Playground even the Moon Riding version) still catch a concert once every few years, still read the boards when I have a chance. I have to say, the new cd is just "ok" for me.

Modern Art is not bad, and growing on me. Black Book seems to be the most original song on the cd, and the keyboard/synth effects really draw me to it. Pastels on Canvas is in the right place on the cd, and is consistent. Age of Reason has its' moments, and a good finish. I agree with almost everyone else that Body Art would be great live, a good chance for each musician to showcase his talent (solos). The rest of the cd seems a little forced. Lets see what the future holds.

Peace out.



It is what it is, change happens with or without our approval.

That is why I own very little of the early Rippingtons' music. I liked the new Ripps CD pretty much...until the new Spyro Gyra came out. I still play them both, but I play the Spyro Gyra more. Peace and goodwill.

Artist's career's have peaks and valley's.
I'll paraphase Dylan here-since the recent interview of Russ pointed out that Dylan and Russ are among other great song writers who paint(Joni Mitchell is another):
''The problem isn't me-it's some of those fans. Ten years later, they want a carbon copy of Blonde On Blonde. I'm skilled enough at this point that I could write and record a Blonde On Blonde in a minute. Those same fans would then criticize it as outdated. But 20 years from now a small vocal minority-

-(cont'd)-they will still want Blonde On Blonde....but I don't care....I'll just keep makin the most honest records I can, about where I am at that moment....and hopefully have more peaks.''
With that attitude, Dylan's had a score more peaks since those statements.
I want that SAME attitude from Russ-always.
I think he's got it!
With Russ' talent. ya KNOW that we are gonna see alot more 'peaks' from the Ripps.
In my sometimes humble opinion.
Peace.
Paul

I agree, but alot is not a word. Sorry, but I am a high school English teacher, and one lousy typist.

Friends, I was on a multiple-hour train trip the other day and decided to give Modern Art a fresh listen. Wow. Either my musical taste has changed or I had my head up my you-know-what before. Or both. This CD is quickly becoming one of my favorite current listens.

I like it more every time that I listen to it! Check out the Youtube video of the Ripps performing Modern Art on the Spirit Cruise in July - I think that Kat posted it somewhere on this BB. Two months and one day (well, 35 minutes) until I get to see the Ripps live - yeah!

Hey guys (if you're lurking) - safe travels to Tokyo - I wish that I was going - maybe next time! Can't wait to see you next month! I'm listening to Modern Art a lot - LOVE IT more every time!