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