Customer Reviews

Topaz

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

I've been a Ripps fan since hearing Dream of the Sirens when I was back in college. My musical tastes are fairly broad, though I was first enticed by the more rocking Rippington tunes. My latest fascination is with Wes Montgomery and that style of guitar, which is fairly common on Freeman's albums. And this album does not disappoint (Summer Lovers, Topaz). And Rain is not your standard Rippingtons tune, but I love it.

My favorite on this album is Stories of the Painted Desert. Other favorites are Taos and Led Here by an Eagle.

While I'm certainly a Rippingtons fan, I don't own all their albums and probably never will...currently I have about half of their studio albums. Their first 4-5 were all solid albums, but since then there are some that just don't really stand out at all. I feel this is one that does.

Others I would recommend include Kilimanjaro, Welcome to the St. James Club and Curves Ahead. I'm also considering Life in the Tropics, which I don't have yet.

This is my first Rippington's album and it is one of my favorite smooth jazz CD's. Not since Fourplay's Between the Sheets have I found an album that draws me deep into the grooves and comforts my spirits. I'm now going back and giving the older stuff a chance. Regardless, if this is your genre, don't miss Topaz!

Topaz is a good album by The Rippingtons. It was released in 1999. This certain album has a Southwestern theme to it. 3 songs on here even feature a carved wooden flute which is played by a real Native American. It sounds quite good. There really aren't any dissapointing tracks on this record.

My top 3 favorite cuts would be 3,6, and 9. Spirits In The Canyon is an untainted composition with a great saoxophone part and closing piano solo. Stories Of The Painted Desert is a proficient track with a fantastic and epical melody. Topaz: Gem Of The Setting Sun, which is another opportune song, features a terrific organ solo. All of the other songs are wholesome as well.

Epitomizing, Topaz is a worthwhile listening experience by The Rippingtons. It also features a great manual with a minor history of the cd and pictures of the musicians. Great to have in your collection, or for first timers. Thank you for taking the time and generosity to read my review.

"Topaz" represents another solid entry by Freeman and his band...I particularly enjoy the ethereal sounds of Freeman's guitar in Track 6 - "Stories of the Painted Desert". In addition to the always tight and excellent muscianship, Russ is felt by many in the music production community to have one of the greatest pair of ears for track mixing. This CD (and others of the Rippingtons) can be readily used for reference purposes because of the crisp highs and tight bass sounds. And, while doing so, jazz fans will surely find themselves enjoying the music.

I first started listening to this band many years ago, when I discovered the album "kilimanjaro". I found it to be so extraordinary that I followed the band very closely and got several cds of them. However, lately they hadn't been that great, nor innovative, and I did not think they could interest me again. Besides, "kilimanjaro" started to sound a bit "old", if you see what I mean.

Topaz is a great "comeback" album. The first two tracks directly tell you "don't go away, this is going to be interesting". Track 3 is marvelous. Track 5 has a slight pop soul beat, so has track number 8. Track 9 is a chachacha flavoured one, and the final one is a calming, lyrical, well performed "rain".

The cd just misses the five star because of "under a Spanish moon". The only Spanish thing in it is the guitar. I really don't know where they got that title. People then get into irritating "cliches", and Spain is many more things besides (and even before) the sound of a Spanish guitar. Trust me.

In any case, one of the best releases in its genre in 1999, and a must in your collection if you like Spyrogyra, Chuck Loeb, Special EFX (and Chieli Minucci), Marc Antoine, etc...

This is very much a transition album for the band, with the departure of long-time member Steve Reid and sax man Jeff Kashiwa. Paul Taylor joined the group as Kashiwa's replacement, but is only present on a few of the tracks here. As such, along with the Southwestern style there is a lot of Russ Freeman's guitar and less horns than previous Ripps albums.

There are several tunes with more layers of guitar and synth than anything else, but Freeman pulls it off with the unique Rippingtons style present in previous recordings. Very replayable and enjoyable to listen to with a good balance of tempos.

Sadly, the group struggled mightily after this album and lost much of the identity that made them unique, falling into the straight 'Smooth Jazz' trap. Subsequent recordings haven't come close to the overall strength of this or previous records. The 20th Anniversary album had several good recordings due to the return of some of the previous members (Reid, Kashiwa, Brandon Fields) but still lacks the overall depth.

But, Topaz is a winner and should be an essential part of your Rippingtons collection, particularly if you're a fan of the band's recording through the 80s and 90s.

This is just another in a long line of outstanding CDs by one of smooth jazz's monster supergroups, The Rippingtons. From top to bottom, a sweet effort with mellow undertones. I recently saw Russ and The Ripps in concert in NYC at the Beacon Theatre (on April 15th) and they tore it up! And Russ does Jimi Hendricks proud (Russ and the boys did a hardcore version of Hendricks' classic "Purple Haze" that ROCKED) and Paul Taylor (as special musical guest) seemed as if he had been a member from Day One! GREAT SHOW ... GREAT CD ... a must-buy and, whenever they come to your area, The Rippingtons are a MUST-SEE!