Customer Reviews

Drive

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

 

 

Former Rippington member Jeff Kashiwa is certainly making an impression as a solo artist. Why not Russ Freeman? This CD showcases his solo efforts and you won't be disappointed! At least I wasn't. With or without the backing of his original group, Russ Freeman still has the goods! I know a lot of loyal followers will probably say, "This CD doesn't even come close to any of the Rippingtons recordings." Hey, what can I say? Things change, and in this case, change has never sounded so sweet. Personally, I like this CD. Yes, it's a different sound than what I'm use to hearing, but I'm enjoying it! Electric or Acoustic, Russ can hold his own with the likes of Peter White, Norman Brown, Jeff Golub, Chuck Loeb, and Lee Ritenour and he proves it on this CD! If you don't believe me, just listen to a couple of samples. Got cash? Get the CD.:P

Currently Russ Freeman and the Rippingtons are suffering from a lack of fantasy,creativity,synergy and that shows in their latest CDs.
What are you doing,Russ? Is Andi of any help?
I think that the major mistake is to produce TWO albums "Drive" and 'Let it ripp" which sound as two clones of the original beauty of the Rippingtons.
The result is that TWO CDS are very blunt,dull and poor.
Much better ONE CD only,but good,inspired and well crafted.

Currently Russ Freeman and the Rippingtons are suffering from a lack of fantasy,creativity,synergy and that shows in their latest CDs.
What are you doing,Russ? Is Andi of any help?
I think that the major mistake is to produce TWO albums "Drive" and 'Let it ripp" which sound as two clones of the original beauty of the Rippingtons.
The result is that TWO CDS are very blunt,dull and poor.
Much better ONE CD only,but good,inspired and well crafted.

I have to admit I like this album despite two obvious flaws - "Boys of Summer" and drum loops. Why include a remake of the Don Henley classic when the original was far superior and why all the drum loops, which are so boring and repetitive. My personal faves on this disk are "Soul Dance" w/ Chris Botti and "East River Drive". Some advice to Russ - more licks and less loops. Overall - very pleasant listening.

A very tasteful record, full of fresh, relaxed compositions. If you like e.g. „Welcome To The St. James Club" from the Rippingtons, chances are you will love this CD, too. As a composer and producer, Russ Freeman seems to have gained new inspiration which is good news for all of us who have been missing the creative vibe of the earlier Rippington records lately. As you may expect, Chris Botti's contribution to Soul Dance is wonderful and if you ever wanted to hear a song of perfect harmony, go for Cool In The Shade. True, the cover version of Don Henley's Boys of Summer is not extraordinary in any way, but it should not discourage you from buying and enjoying this great album. Thanks to Russ Freeman for "stepping out", both as a guitar player and a composer!

Being a long-time Freeman/Rippingtons fan, I have to say that this is not Freeman at his best. Don't get me wrong, his playing is exceptional but maybe he should have laid down the drum machines and used live drummers instead. I think this is what really prevents this cd from shining.

I love this CD. I first heard it in a restaurant and asked them what music was playing. Thoroughtly enjoyable.

I really liked his interpretation of East River Drive. Very nice.

I have been a fan of Russ's music since the very beginning. I really love Rippingtons's music which is obviously Russ accompanied by very talented "studio" or Jazz players, often different from an album to the other. This one is really another Rippingtons's album if you put in this way. I consider it this way. Russ's writing simply shines, and this album does not exception. Russ is always melodic yet interesting. He writes lines and arrangements which are contemporary but sophisticated, and always simply beautiful. The only complaint one might move is that Russ's songs sounds often very similar. This is true due mainly to the arrangements and to Russ's melodic lines. But I find this a plus in a way because when I return to Rippingtons albums I'll go there just to find that precise feeling, that precise music personality. And I always find the same great pleasure in listening Ripp's music, in listening infinite variations of the same concept, which is what Russ's music is all about. His music is extremely relaxing and warm. Each album in the Ripp's discography is great and this one stands among the best of them all. If you look for advices about which Ripp's album buy first, I'll help you. Sahara, Black Diamond (maybe Black Diamond first it is truly spectacular), Week end in Monaco, Curves Ahead, Tourist in paradise. Don't consider Brave new world and Topaz, Russ's worst efforts. The Benoit Freeman project is another very very good one. Enjoy, and tahnk you Russ for the splendid music.., now Russ, I'm waiting for a Ripp's dvd !!!

Outstanding CD, Do more solos, but also keep the Rippingtons together. I have all of the Ripp's CD's. Wether Russ is solo or with the Ripps the music has always been great. Outstanding Russ, Keep it up....