Customer Reviews

Tourist in Paradise

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

 

 

I was introduced to Jazz during my college days (In the late 80's) when I was a DJ for my college station. I was given the Jazz shifts. My previous experience with Jazz was Sting's Dream of the Blue Turtles, so I was in for an experience. Right away the Rippintons stood out and I knew these guys were hot. Tourist in Paradise was my first Jazz CD to buy. Even thou I now own almost every CD the Rippingtons have released Tourist in Paradise is still my favorite Rippingtons CD. On there other Rippington's CD's I love about 2 or 3 songs on each of them, but on this one I love the whole disk. It's a very uplifting and positive CD. It sets a very uplifting mood. It's great for road trips. My particular Favorites on this Cd are Tourist In Paradise, Earthbound, Jupiter's Child, and Destiny.

This cd was my introduction to the Rippingtons back in '89 (fresh out of high school---into college)...I then started to collect some of their other works. Without a doubt, from their classy Jazz Cat (retro beatnik?) mascot artwork to the actual musical material,as a whole, this cd is brilliant ! The vitality and the energy (even the subtle warmth and beauty of the slower tracks like One Night In Brazil) from this project renders each composition to be very special with absolutely no fillers. Styles range from contemporary smooth cool jazz, light pop rock (Earthbound) to a highly danceable salsa track (Aruba!) steeped in it's rich Latin ambience and rhythms really makes this an awesome and complete cd ! Tourist in Paradise is polished to perfection.

I happen to own both the cd version and the vinyl/record version (remember those?). The vinyl pressing is a trip to listen to and makes the music really come alive---now I know why jazz enthusiasts prefer the sound of vinyl over cd sometimes ! There's no elevator muzak here guys. The Rippingtons know how to really surprise and catch your attention by also creating beautiful Latin-jazz infused rhythms and tracks throughout some of their catalog releases; They do it with such genuine command and natural ease !

Out of the entire Rippingtons catalog I recommend these 4 titles: 1. Tourist In Paradise, 2. Moonlighting, 3.Life In The Tropics, 4. Wild Card.

When I think of this CD the first words that come into my mind is "fun." The reason I say this is because when I want to enjoy some great, upbeat music this CD is what I go for. The title cut is a classic. (I was able to tape the music video for this song of television, it goes great with the music) I admire Russ' exciting Guitar and Guitar Synth playing along with the rest of the Rippingtons capable backup and Carl Anderson cool vocalizations. An instrumental version of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" is "very" nice.

I have never been very fond of jazz music outside of a few artists such as Chick Corea, Chuck Mangione and Weather Report. None seemed to break out of that old jazz mold cast years and years ago except for a few groups/artists as I mentioned until I listened to a late night jazz station here in Sacramento, California. I heard Tourist in Paradise by the Rippingtons and was so blown away I had to leave immediately to the record store to buy it. It was the best investment I have ever made and I could not believe how Earth Shattering this whole cd was for me. I became a huge fan and purchased most of the Rippingtons cds although none really ever came close to this effort. Back then the keyboards were revolutionary and striking and the rhythms were outstanding. This cd got your attention on most tracks and the rest were good pauses to catch one's breath. I continue to buy their music but I hold little hope I will recapture what moved me in "Tourist in Paradise". As good as Russ Freeman is on guitar it cannot carry the power of his synths and I see they are being put on the back burner while sax and horns take the forefront along with more guitar and frankly, I am not so moved as before. Bring back those great keyboard hooks and I will take flight through their inspiration.

Tracks 2, 5, and 8 are outstanding! worth the price of a CD alone.

I bought this album on cassette tape back in 1989 and wore the thing out! Now I'm getting it on CD - finally! The Rippingtons got me hooked on the smooth jazz sound back then and I still listen to their same tunes over and over. My husband and I even had their music played at our wedding reception. If you want something to relax to without falling asleep, the Rips are for you! They are the best, and this is one of their finest albums!

From "Tourist in Paradise" to "The Princess", this cd is an awesome stress reliever. It got me through MANY commutes on the DC beltway!

Every Rippington or Jazz fan should own this album! It's definitly an improvement from their first album Moonlighting.

I like this album a lot! The songs can make you feel like your actually in paradise.

Tourist in Paradise, is one of the Rippingtons greatest albums, includes such great songs as the title (featuring Carl Anderson), which stands alone as one of the greatest mood-uplifting songs I have ever heard. It is a hymn of what should life be all about.