Topaz

The Rippingtons | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 18, 1999)
• Original Release Date: May 18, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Windham Hill Records
• ASIN: B00000IOPP
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #41,978 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #10 in Music > Indie Music > Jazz > Smooth Jazz

Editorial Reviews

From Jazziz

Whether traveling musically to places like "Aruba" or "Kenya" or spending a playful "Weekend in Monaco" as he did in 1992, Russ Freeman has mastered the art of the exotic smooth-jazz sojourn. This time, he and the new Rippingtons lineup (with guest Paul Taylor replacing longtime saxman Jeff Kashiwa) conjure images of the New Mexico arts community of Taos.

Long a brilliant classical guitarist, Freeman upped the ante with a memorable flamenco jaunt on the Ripps' last album, Black Diamond; here, inspired by the Spanish vibe of his adopted environment, he more fully explores those traditions in an accessible pop context. On the opening track, "Taos," he follows a gently loping flamenco pattern with a powerful electric-guitar-driven hook that reminds us that he is indeed one of smooth jazz's best melody writers and producers. "Under a Spanish Moon" begins with a rumbling flamenco intro by Tom Gannaway, then becomes a lively, atmosphere-heavy, Latin-flavored romp led along a dusty desert trail by Freeman's swaying acoustic melody, and enhanced by a sparkling Dave Kochanski piano solo.

Freeman's liner notes explain that his interest in all things Western grew from his 1998 project with Craig Chaquico, From the Redwoods to the Rockies. The jumpy acoustic jam "Snakedance" sounds like an outtake from those sessions, only with Freeman himself crisply counterpointing rhythm and melody lines with two overdubbed, interweaving acoustic-guitar tracks.

Since soundscape master Steve Reid left the band (having lent his hand to just one track here) Freeman turns for spiritual atmosphere to Native American flutist Robert Tree Cody. Cody appears on three tunes, blending perfectly with Freeman's guitars on "Stories of the Painted Desert" and taking the lead over a rolling, dark-toned bass line on "Led Here by an Eagle." His presence adds a touch of authenticity to Freeman's brilliant reflection of the spirit on the Southwest.

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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Jazz Impression of the Southwest, September 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Topaz (Audio CD)

I have been a huge Rippingtons fan since 1989, and, with the exception of a few great songs, have not enjoyed Black Diamond and Brave New World as much as their previously outstanding work. I bought Topaz with a little trepidation, but have been very impressed with how Russ and the band brought out the flavor of the Southwest. Like one of the previous writers, I have played this CD over and over this past week, especially the first track "Taos". This song truly brings back the spirit of the Rippingtons music, and it's an ideal statement of New Mexico, where my folks live. The only thing I really miss on this CD are Kim Stone's great bass riffs (although he still plays on this CD, they're not as prevalent), which would have elevated "Taos" even more than it already is. For skeptics, having been a fan for 10 years, I would recommend this CD as a buy.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Latin-style jazz..., January 4, 2000

By 

djdjdjdjdjdj9 "djdjdjdjdjdj9" (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Topaz (Audio CD)

I NEVER award any of my reviewees 5 stars. This album turned me into a Latin jazz fan right from the start. Track 9, "Topaz" will open up doors for other bands and for listeners that want to experience a Latin sound with the jazz they choose. If you are a former rocker like I am, you will be impressed with the nylon-string guitar work on tracks 1 and 6 for both rhythm and solo. The bass work on this album needs a little work, which I'm sure the band allows during live performances, as most do. Dave Hooper can never replace Steve Reid as drummer, but catches you off guard a few times in this album with tasteful off-beat mixes. This album will not only make you a Rippingtons fan, but it will help you see where jazz is headed. Pick this one up if you're looking for something enjoy!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A change for the better, October 7, 2005

By 

Maria Marienthal (Indiana, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Topaz (Audio CD)

I remember when I purchased this CD in its realease year, I didn't like it very much. Also I had read a lot of reviews saying that Paul Taylor's style didn't mesh well with the original Rippington's flavor....ok so perhaps flavor is the wrong word to use considering that after Weekend in Monaco all of their music sounded the same.

Anywho, as I matured and got bored of all my more recent music, I popped this CD in and listened to it from beginning to end. I loved it. If you are into the traditional Rippington's sound, then for sure you won't like this CD. It is 70% Paul Taylor, 30% Russ Freeman. But that doesn't mean the CD is bad. It was, in fact, fantastic. I honestly can't point out a Rippington's CD after Curves Ahead that I could listen to nonstop. The more recent CD's don't even compare.

This CD had more of an R&B feel, a very smooth street feel. It was extremely rhythmic and much softer. The intense rock songs that Freeman usually features on every CD were nowhere to be found. This album was just straight relaxation, and it was wonderful.

It's soft, smooth, and the sound is different. If you're looking to this CD for classic Rippingtons content, this may not be the ideal CD. But if you are looking for Paul Taylor with a twist...you may like this. Perhaps even if you are looking for the Rippingtons gone lucious, this should work well. Preview before you buy is my advisory. If you like it, you'll love it, and if you don't like it, you'll loathe it.