More Often Than Not

Kim Stone | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 21, 1999)
• Original Release Date: May 14, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: CDBY
• ASIN: B00000J992
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #701,762 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

From Jazziz

Since Russ Freeman has always done all the composing and producing for the Rippingtons, the band's other members have naturally gravitated toward developing solo careers as an outlet for their own talents in these areas. While the solo efforts by Mark Portmann, Jeff Kashiwa, and Steve Reid have all borne the band's stamp of ultra-melodic smooth jazz, longtime bassist Kim Stone takes a different tack on his debut.

Far from a smooth-jazz radio programmer's dream, Stone's cd recalls the freer-form days of funky fusion, when melodies and grooves were less predictable and a spirit of experimentation ruled. The bubbly bass-percussion bounce of "Silver" gives way to a twisting melody. Listen closely, and you can hear subtle exotic voices sweeping over the grooves.

Likewise, while most smooth-jazz performers' idea of retro soul is a Fender Rhodes bed and a few wah-wah clicks under a pop melody, Stone, on the title track, allows keyboardist Bob Mocarsky to take a moody and mystical, almost avant-garde approach over a swaying supporting bass line. Stone is most engaging on frenetic bass-percussion jams like "Bop Bop," but there's something seductive about his elongated, Mark Egan-like tones on the spacey noodler "Why Did You Go?"

Melodically, Kim's no Brian Bromberg, but he creates an interesting point-counterpoint situation on the folksy "In a Mellow Tone" - playing half a line on the low register, then responding with a higher-toned remark. He takes a halfhearted stab at singing (along with his daughter Kalia Jane, who did the cover art) on a version of the Beatles' "I Will."

Ripps lovers may take a while to absorb the sometimes-wayward muses that take Stone here and yonder. But those seeking a bit more adventure will like this CD.

--Jonathan Widran, JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Product Description

Original jazz music with the accent on bass and drums. This CD features the bass as the main orchestrated instrument. Layering the bass in this way creates music with an original sound that is modern and unique.

See all Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Funky & Smooth..., June 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: More Often Than Not (Audio CD)

This CD allows us a view into Kim's world of playing. He does things with the Bass that I didn't know could be done. The layering and flow of the music is outstanding. The last track on the CD, "I Will" really sticks in my mind, for reasons that will be ovbious when you hear this disc. Go get it!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Smooth rythmatic flowing Bass a great CD for Bass lovers, June 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: More Often Than Not (Audio CD)

Kim's Bass playing has grooved great groups like Spyro-gyra, Rare Silk, and the Rippingtons. His flowing style and great overlapping basses proove that man can live by bass alone. Mingus, you have competition.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just a bassist, but an amazing musician, July 27, 2000

By 

Marc Colon (Sacramento, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: More Often Than Not (Audio CD)

With the release of "more often than not" Kim Stone shows us that it's not all about chops. When I ordered the disc, I was expecting your typical bass album - tons of chops, but not much more. This album is definitely not lacking in that area, but it's about songs as well. It features only Kim's basses, & various drummers, including Tony Morales, The Rippington's former drummer. What I love about it is the variety of grooves in the songs. The constant 16th note feel of "Bop Bop" is amazing. Then he brings it way down for "Rosebud." The fretless bass on "Why Did You Go?" is very powerful, & haunting with Kim's voice in the background. His cover of "I Will" is very cool with both him & his daughter on vocals. This is the type of album that the more you listen to it, the more you'll appreciate & love it! A must for any bassist!