Best Of The Rippingtons CD

Under the direction of Russ Freeman (equally skilled as a guitarist and as a keyboardist), the Rippingtons succeeded in combining jazz-influenced solos with light, funky rhythms and pop sensibilities. This particular CD has selections from eight of the group's GRP recordings, plus a pair of previously unreleased tracks ("Garden of Babylon" and "Sapphire Island") newly created for the sampler. With notable contributions from Freeman's longtime rhythm section and such saxophonists as Kenny G. (heard on "She Likes to Watch"), Brandon Fields, Eric Marienthal, Kirk Whalum, and Jeff Kashiwa, the CD acts as both a definitive sampling of the band's history and as an introduction to their accessible music. The results overall are typically lightweight but reasonably enjoyable, with some fiery moments giving variety to the high-quality pop music. ~ Scott Yanow

Audio Mixer: Nick Sodano.

Recording information: Cheyenne Mountain Ranch Studios, CO (1987-1993).

Photographer: Carl Studna.

Personnel includes: Carl Anderson, Phil Perry, Patti Austin (vocals); Jeff Kashiwa (soprano, alto & tenor saxophones, synthesizer); Kenny G (soprano saxophone); Brandon Fields (alto saxophone); Kirk Whalum (tenor saxophone); Eric Marienthal (saxophone); Jerry Hey, Gary Grant (horns); David Kochanski (piano, organ); Mark Portman (piano); Russ Freeman (keyboards, classical, acoustic & elctric guitars, guitar synthesizer, bass, drums, percussion, keyboard & rhythm programming); Rob Mullins, Greg Karukas (keyboards); Steve Bailey (bass, fretless bass); Kim Stone (acoustic & electric basses); Tony Morales (drums, cymbals, high hat); Steve Reid (bongo, congas, clave, shaker, percussion, electronic percussion, sound effects).

Personnel: Phil Perry (vocals, background vocals); Carl Anderson (vocals); Brandon Fields (saxophone, alto saxophone); Eric Marienthal (saxophone); Kenny G (soprano saxophone); Jeff Kashiwa (alto saxophone); Kirk Whalum (tenor saxophone); Gary Grant, Jerry Hey (horns); Mark Portmann (piano); Dave Kochanski (organ); Gregg Karukas (keyboards); Kim Stone (electric bass); Steve Bailey (bass guitar, fretless bass); Tony Morales (drums, cymbals, hi-hat); Steve Reid (percussion); Art Wood (loops); Jim Gilstrap, Lynne Fiddmont, Bridgette Bryant (background vocals).