The Rippingtons and Boney James co-headlined at the Smooth Jazz Under the Stars in Orlando this evening. I just got back from seeing them. There had to be a couple thousand people there easily, and the event was sold out.

When I heard both names were playing, I wondered how they would bill it, and it made sense to have them co-headline. That was how the radio station billed Boney and the Ripps. They actually billed the Ripps as 'The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman with Jeff Kashiwa', which is evidence of the name Jeff has built for himself with his solo CD's and his Sax Pack efforts.

But when I walked away from the concert when it was over, it seemed like the Rippingtons opened for Boney. There was this indifference through the crowd when the Rippingtons were playing, which I found disheartening -- people talking, a low rumble of conversation that interfered with the music etcetera, people milling around and talking while the Ripps were playing and not paying attention -- a lot of it. Then, when Boney James came on, everyone around me was on their feet dancing and grooving and everyone was attentive. It was if the crowd suddenly electrified.

Overall, I thought the Ripps did a good job, and I enjoyed hearing Modern Art and Body Art from their recent CD. Boney has a phenomenal band -- tight and powerful, with interesting and tension-filled solos when necessary.

I did feel it's time for the Ripps to reinvent themselves a bit more -- their use of a golden throat type of device where speaking sounds like a machine was cool at the end of Modern Art, and they used some more synth sounds in many of the songs, which I thought was a step in the right direction. Their musicality was great, but I felt like everyone has grown used to their hits and style of music....and that it was time for change to keep the crowd electrified...but whadoiknow....

I felt that as well when I saw them the last few times. They are not capturing the audience like they used to and I also noticed people talking and just not interested in general. Other than Jeff Kashiwa, the rest of the band, including Russ, don't have a commanding stage presence. Just seems their smiles are forced! And there's just something about Rico that just ain't right for me! I know it seems like I'm bashing them but I just don't think they have 'IT' anymore! I think Russ should move on to something new. I like Rico way better as a keyboardist. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aug8EqeogQ8


Sorry.....

Good reviews, guys. I haven't seen them in years. It's a shame about the audiences' lack of attention. On the other hand, very good for Boney.

I am jealous! I would love to see both of those artists, and I have much music from each of them. Peace and goodwill.

I hear you on Rico. I didn't want to say it earlier due to the Ripps super-fans that might be offended with so much criticism of the band, but I also thought Rico didn't sparkle. He did two solos, and the first one didn't move me at all. The second one was more interesting, but nothing like Kim Stone's solos that got everyone excited.

At the same time, one has to respect Rico for simply being able to lay it down solid and just be a good low-end bass player. I've never qualified to play with the Rippingtons!

I was driving home from work yesterday, and the local smooth jazz radio station played a song by Boney James and called him "The Star of our Smooth Jazz Under the Stars event last Saturday" when the event was billed with Ripps and Boney James as co-headlining. Further evidence that the Ripps had taken a back seat.

I would've rathered the organizers had switched between Boney and the Ripps throughout the show to give the Ripps the historical respect they deserve. Or even had them join each other for solos or some fun songs like Pick Up the Pieces as the encore.

The last few times that I have seen the Ripps I have not found this to be the case - the audiences were excited and "into it". I will be seeing them several times this summer and fall - I'll report back then...but I fully intend to enjoy every second of every show! I do enjoy Rico - but we all have our personal preferences, and that's ok.

Have seen both the Ripps and Boney within the past 6 months.

I don't see how very many acts can hold a candle to Boney. He is pure electricity and when he hits the stage, he owns it. Very few musicians and performers can do that.

The Ripps are a band.... and I think that's the difference.

Sorry, but I don't think there was any disrespect intended towards the Ripps by the promoter, it was billed like this... and since Boney was the closer, he was the headliner.

"Smooth Jazz Under the Stars is our annual spring concert that will once again be held on the lake in Baldwin Park! This venue provides an ideal setting for a great evening of music. This year we’re bringing you a fantastic line-up with Boney James, The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman, and Alex Bugnon! Enjoy a concert with three of the top Smooth Jazz Superstars!! Gates open at 5pm. The evening’s entertainment begins promptly at 5:45pm and concludes at 10pm."

It's been my experience that jams happen when jams are billed. Sorry for the disappointment, but when there are 3 acts in 4 hours.... the bands and musicians tend to stick to the set list, for obvious reasons.

I hear you. I think it also depends on the demographics of where they play. In Norfolk, VA (mostly African American), maybe 1/3 of the audience was into them while the rest were walking around, having conversations and buying food. Eric Marienthal, Euge Groove and Ken Navarro all received a lot more attention. As Kat said, maybe it's because on stage, they are a 'band'! Eric and Euge grabbed a lot of attention because they play more 'funky' material and the folks were up and dancing and getting loose! Imagine adding Boney James to the mix! The cat puts on a funky show! I still dig The Ripps but I honestly think their popularity is fading.....when it comes to certain demographics.

Every geography, every demographic - affects the audience.

Saw Euge Groove a couple of weeks ago. Wildly received by the audience, especially for the "donka-donk" dance routine. All I could think is that he's leading line dances and playing bland music. But the audience loved him. My opinion did not matter.

The Ripps are selling well for my first production - in New Haven, Ct. I am very happy with the advanced sales and the support of the community - across the demographics.

http://www.neko-productions.com/NewConcerts.pdf

I think that all MIBBers should come and see the Ripps in New Haven this summer - it is sure to be a great show!

I noticed that as well. The first time he did it, I was like WITW?? Then he kept doing it! Donka Donk is right and he swings his sax over his head! LOL! The music was ok. Pretty much 'cookie cutter' smooth jazz but he had an excellent band, as most of the artists do! I think because it was more 'funk' based is why it went over well in Norfolk. Surprisingly, Ken Navarro got a pretty good reception without benefit of any 'funk' like tunes. He had Jaye Rowe and Tommy Kennedy in the band and as always, Tommy went off on one of his 'speed' solos that everyone goes nuts over!

The assumption that artists have to play down to the audience in order to "go over" is the sorry state of affairs that far too many "smooth" jazz musicians have lowered themselves too. When damcing saxophonists and cookie cutter music are what constitutes a successful performance,well..what can I say? The audience gets exactly what it deserves. But as far as I'm concerned, when a musician takes the low musical road, they are an entertainer, not an artist and their future and the longevity of their music is limited.

My memory of my show at Norfolk Jazz festival was that we played from the heart and dug deep into the music. It felt great and the audeince got it big time and I sold and signed CDs for 90 minutes after the show. It has been my expereince over and over again that audiences from all georgraphies and demographics react very positively to music created from the heart and soul. And they relate to it in a deep and meaningful way.

One final thought - making music is not a popularity contest. And a quiet audience at rapt attention is just as powerful as a loud, dancing one.

Good points, Ken! I thoroughly enjoyed your portion of the show! Quality music! And thank you for talking with me and signing my cd's!

If I go see Boney or the Ripps again, it will be if they play in a a smaller venue. There were times when I was sitting in the audience, with Russ and the rest of the band, and even Boney appearing as tiny ants on the stage, it was more like listening to a CD.

I think Jumbo-trons would've made the experience more connecting, although I expect they are very expensive, and perhaps that's why.

But at $24.00 a ticket, it was still a good night out.

Also, they were in fact billed as co-headliners in many of the radio announcements I heard driving back and forth to work over the promotional period -- in spite of what the print said. (I spend about 5 hours a week listening to the local radio station, so I heard this several times)


We're fortunate here in Orlando -- major artists come to the Plaza theatre which is only 20 minutes from my home, and the seating is proably less than a thousand people. Boney actual came into the audience and walked across the armchair seats in an empty row as part of the concert -- with security nervously following him. There's something about being close to them when they are playing that intensifies the experience -- when they are WAY up there, you lose something.