I met Eric Merienthal after a show in December of 2008. I asked him if he was still with the Rippingtons. This was a Chick Corea Elektric Band Reunion which was fabulous. He said, "Not really." Then he departs the next year I guess. Now I log in for the first time in awhile and see Kim stone is gone too!? To me Kim was one of the bedrock members. What's the dealy-o? Seems like the Ripps are almost back to a Studio band that once ina while goes back on the road.

The Ripps were always a 'studio' (I.E. Russ) band and a 'road' band with a few mainstay key members. A few years back Russ did do a record with all the cats playing live in the studio though. I think in Eric's case, he really has his own career and I think he enjoys playing more challenging music! As for Kim, well sometimes marriages don't last forever! Just time to move on! I agree, you get used to the certain personalities on stage and miss them when they're gone! IMHO, nothing beats the classic Ripps onstage lineup from the 90's!

Makesd sense. Which recored are you talking about?

Let It Ripp.

That must be why it is one of my favorite Rippingtons' albums. Peace and goodwill.

Mine, too, Mark. Some of the older stuff is great, but with the same core group for the entire album, Let It Ripp stands apart from the others.

Yeah, Let It Ripp could be my favorite since Curves Ahead. Topaz is another great disc in between the two, though.

Let it Ripp, Curves Ahead, and the new Modern Art are probably my Favorites.

That makes sense b/c I thought that Eric M. was part of the Ripps. It looks as though Jeff Kashiwa was there though as well, so I thought that it was just Jeff, but my ears were right. I did hear Eric. Didn't Kenny G play for the Ripps when they first started?

Yes, Kenny G played on the first or second Ripps record. Not sure if he toured as part of the band! A lot of sax folks recorded for Russ though! Kirk Whalum, Dave Koz, Brandon Fields are a few names. David Benoit and a few other keyboardists. Jimmy Johnson, Bill Lanphier and Steve Bailey on bass before Kim Stone came aboard.

Rico Belled plays now the bass.