Tim Ries Stones World : The Rolling Stones Project II CD

The project may seem odd at first: jazz and world music fusion covers of Rolling Stones songs? Yet saxophonist Tim Ries, a decade-long member of the Stones' touring band, fulfills his aim admirably. Gypsy music, gospel, African rhythms, flamenco, fado, Afro-Brazilian, salsa, and nearly every other music from around the world, are thrown in the blender for takes on "Jumpin' Jack Flash," "Brown Sugar," "You Can't Always Get What You Want," and other classics from the world's greatest rock-&-roll band. Even more impressive is the guest roster for these sessions, which includes Milton Nascimento, Eddie Palmieri, Jack DeJohnette, Bill Frisell, and the Rolling Stones themselves.

Personnel: Tim Ries (tenor saxophone); Keith Richards (vocals, guitar); Norah Jones (vocals, piano); Tony Scherr (vocals, bass instrument); Lisa Fischer, Sheryl Crow, Luciana Souza, Bernard Fowler (vocals); Ron Wood, Ben Monder, Bill Frisell, John Scofield (guitar); Stacy Shames (harp); Kent Smith (trumpet, flugelhorn); Michael Davis (trombone); Edward Simon , Roberto Di Gioia, Bill Charlap (piano); Larry Goldings (organ); John Patitucci (bass instrument); Darryl Jones (bass guitar); Clarence Penn, Brian Blade, Charlie Watts (drums); Jeff Ballard (percussion).

Down Beat (p.75) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "[F]ull of exciting twists and turns...a marvel of production and logistics..."
JazzTimes (p.94) - "Ries' session work includes artists from Maynard Ferguson and Maria Schneider to Paul Simon and Sheryl Crow, and he creates highlights by staying close to his jazz and pop sensibilities."
Mojo (Publisher) (p.125) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "Treatments vary from full-on lengthy jazz breakdowns of 'Paint It Black' and 'Gimme Shelter' to a samba party 'Streetfighting Man'."