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.