Customer Reviews

Black Diamond

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Jazz nowadays is a broad term encompassing anything from dissonant be-bop to easy listening background music. Like it or not, the Rippingtons play a form of jazz--and people enjoy it as such.

Critics may look down thier noses at this type of music and I don't know why. Perhaps it lacks the unstructured feel and spontaneity attributed to "traditional" jazz (whatever that may be) which they feel compelled to compare this to. This is quite unfair.

Notice that all Ripppingtons albums read "The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman." Russ Freeman, the leader and guitarist of the group, writes the songs and enlists the help of an outstanding group of musicians to play these songs. That's why the "official reviewer's" potshot that only one other original member remains on this album doesn't hold any weight. The Rippingtons were never so much about a band as they were about Russ Freeman and his song writing.

As such, let's judge this album on the merits of it's songs. Coherent structure, catchy hooks, nice phrasing, great instrumental licks, nicely produced... a fine product. Hey, up-tempo, hard jazz it's not, but then again it's not claiming to be.

This is a great, great Rippingtons album to kick back and relax to. Don't let anyone (ESPECIALLY snooty critics) dissuade you from enjoying this type of music, and specifically, BLACK DIAMOND!

You dont need fancy articulate words to describe this album - quite simply put its pure talent!! I rather suspect there are many copies of this album around the world currently being played to death. The variety of musical style is the making of this cd but I personally adore the latino/spanish influence. Its music really does get under your skin and its so heart warming to see such a wonderfully structured album. My heartfelt thanks go to Roger for introducing me to the delights of a superb group and I now look forward to collecting more of their work.

Dont hesitate to buy this album, I cant possibly comprehend how it could fail to please.

This was my first studio album of the Ripp's and I consider it in the top three of their career. In fact, I think Russ hasn't done it better after Black Diamond.

Of course the sound is dramatically improved, as they moved to another company, Windham Hill which is very close to New Age. But the thing is that the material is diverse, smooth and rich. With the exception of "If I owned the world" (Ripp's shouldn't go into vocal experiences), the album has only GOOD music.

"Black Diamond" and "Jewel Thieves" got a great melody, "Soul Seeker" and "In Another Life" can really be described as SMOOTH, "Angelfire" is a surprise and a latin masterpiece.

Rippingtons are back here to the quality and the punch of late 80's and first 90's albums (Curves Ahead, Saint James' Club,...). And it sound really new. A must-have.

I've only recently started to enjoy the Rippingtons as I have searched long and hard for great lite jazz. Well I got it! Of my 4 Rippington cds this is my favorite. Read inside the cover for Russ Freeman's inspiration for writing this material. He is definitely an incredible talent. Black Diamond has a depth I have not heard in quite sometime. You can ski down the mountain with him as he is writing the songs! Freeman has a definte signature sound to his songs but his recent cds each have a flavor unique to itself. Try Topaz too, it's great.

After two miserable studio CD's in a row (Sahara and Brave New World) The Rippington's are back with somewhat of a comeback CD. They also switched record labels to Windham Hill...perhaps, that is the reason for all the new material...instead, of a several lousy remakes just to fill a CD. The tracks Black Diamond, Deep Powder, Seven Nights In Rome, and Big Sky are the best ones. This CD is rather Latin and guitar-based, but it sure is an improvement.

I have enjoyed all of the Rippingtons' cds, but this one is really something. The acoustics on the title cut are something I've never heard before, and they'll give you chills if you're not expecting it.

By far this is their best CD, It's got it all, Great Vocals, Great Guitar work, check out their tune North Peak, You wont be sorry getting this CD

This is a great CD. I wasn't really even into jazz until I got this CD. The song "In Anotherr Life" is worth the price of the whole CD. There is not one bad song on it. There is not a song on it that I do not even vaguely dislike. This is a must buy for any Rippingtons or just fusion jazz fan. If you like this album I would reccomend:

The Definitive Collection-Jeff Lorber

Any of the Spyro Gyra albums

Celebration-Norman Brown

Full Circle-David Benoit

20th Anniversary-The Rippingtons

Certainly in my opinion one of their best, along with "SAHARA"! They are not afraid to change their style or approach to their music! A good blend of tunes with a nice rich overall sound, with the first half of this CD is a bit better! A very nice CD to sit down and relax to!

it's still very good and Rippington music is awesome. The title track is off the hook!