The Rippingtons Discography: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Music and History
The Rippingtons Discography (19872011)
The Rippingtons are an American contemporary jazz group that was formed by guitarist Russ Freeman in 1985. Their music blends smooth jazz, jazz fusion, jazz pop, and crossover jazz genres with various influences from around the world. They are known for their signature mascot: a grinning, sunglasses-wearing jazz cat that appears on all their album covers and merchandise.
The Rippingtons Discography (1987 2011).11
In this article, we will explore their discography from 1987 to 2011, which includes 17 studio albums, two live albums, and two compilation albums. We will look at the background, style, and highlights of each album, as well as some of the guest musicians who collaborated with them over the years.
Moonlighting (1987)
Moonlighting was the debut album of The Rippingtons, released by Passport Jazz in 1987. It featured guest appearances by saxophonists Kenny G, David Benoit, and Brandon Fields, who added their distinctive sounds to Freeman's guitar melodies. The album included the hit song "She Likes to Watch", which became a staple of their live shows and one of their signature tunes. Moonlighting received positive reviews from critics and fans, who praised its smooth, romantic, and sophisticated jazz sound.
Kilimanjaro (1988)
Kilimanjaro was the second album of The Rippingtons, released by GRP Records in 1988. It marked the beginning of their long-term collaboration with GRP and producer Dave Grusin, who helped them achieve a more polished and professional sound quality. It also introduced new members Mark Portmann on keyboards, Steve Bailey on bass, and Jeff Kashiwa on saxophone, who brought more diversity and energy to the band. Kilimanjaro explored more diverse musical styles and influences, such as African rhythms, Latin grooves, and pop melodies.
Tourist in Paradise (1989)
Tourist in Paradise was the third album of The Rippingtons, released by GRP Records in 1989. It continued their musical experimentation and innovation, showcasing a variety of moods, tempos, and textures. It featured guest appearances by pianist David Benoit, vocalist Carl Anderson, and saxophonist Sadao Watanabe, who added more depth and flavor to the songs. It included the title track "Tourist in Paradise", which became one of their most popular I have continued to write the article on The Rippingtons Discography (19872011) based on the outline and the search results. Here is the rest of the article with HTML formatting: Côte D'Azur (2011)
Côte D'Azur was the fifteenth studio album of The Rippingtons, released by Peak Records in 2011. It was inspired by Freeman's travels to the French Riviera and his admiration for French culture. It featured guest appearances by saxophonists Eric Marienthal and Paul Taylor; keyboardist Bill Heller; bassist Rico Belled; drummer Dave Karasony; trumpeter Tony Guerrero; guitarist Marc Antoine; vocalist Jeffrey Osborne; and violinist Charlie Bisharat. It included songs such as "Côte D'Azur", "Le Calypso", and "Mesmerized".
Conclusion
The Rippingtons are one of the most successful and influential contemporary jazz groups of all time. Their discography from 1987 to 2011 showcases their musical evolution, diversity, and creativity. They have collaborated with some of the best musicians in the genre and have created memorable songs that appeal to a wide audience. Their albums are not only enjoyable to listen to, but also reflect their passion for travel, art, and culture.
FAQs
Who is the leader and founder of The Rippingtons?
Russ Freeman is the leader and founder of The Rippingtons. He is a guitarist, composer, producer, and arranger who has been the only consistent member of the band since 1985.
Who is the mascot of The Rippingtons?
The mascot of The Rippingtons is a grinning, sunglasses-wearing jazz cat that appears on all their album covers and merchandise. The cat was created by artist Bill Mayer and represents the band's fun-loving and adventurous spirit.
What are some of the most popular songs of The Rippingtons?
Some of the most popular songs of The Rippingtons are "She Likes to Watch", "Tourist in Paradise", "Curves Ahead", "Weekend in Monaco", "Black Diamond", "Topaz", "Let It Ripp", "Wild Card", and "Côte D'Azur".
What are some of the genres and influences of The Rippingtons?
The Rippingtons play a blend of smooth jazz, jazz fusion, jazz pop, and crossover jazz genres with various influences from around the world. They have incorporated elements of African, Latin, Caribbean, European, Asian, and Middle Eastern music into their songs.
How many albums have The Rippingtons released?
The Rippingtons have released 17 studio albums, two live albums, and two compilation albums from 1987 to 2011. They have also released several singles and videos.