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The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman: Cote D' Azur
ByAble assistance comes from the rhythm section of bassist Rico Belled and drummer Dave Karasony. Bill Heller's keyboard work is strong throughout Cote D' Azur. But the main power source of the band still resides in the facile fingers of Freeman. There's little Freeman can't do with a guitar and though often what The Rippingtons do best is make four minute slices of smooth jazz drizzle, here he's playing with passion and potency. There's nothing phoned in about the flamenco stylings of "Bandol," or the furious Middle Eastern workout, "Passage to Marseilles." Freeman and company go for it and, more often than not, get it, too.
Which is not to say everything on Cote D' Azur goes against the grain. "Postcard From Cannes" and "Riviera Jam" are the standard smoothed-out fare Freeman has cranked out for 24 years and 15 albums, yet somehow, it seems less tedious than on previous Rippington albums. There's enough interesting stuff here, like the duel between Freeman's electric guitar licks and Kashiwa's saxophone on "Rue Paradis," to offset the rote filler.
This far along it's unlikely Freeman is going to redesign The Rippingtons as the second coming of Mahavishnu Orchestra After all, Kenny G is an alumni of the band, so wild improvisational suites and sheets of sound shouldn't be expected, quite yet. Cote D' Azur is a record where Freeman sounds engaged and energized. He really is trying to make some interesting music here and, contrary to expectations, succeeds in doing so.
Track Listing
Cote D' Azur; Le Calypso; Bandol; Sainte Maxime; Postcard From Cannes; Passage to Marseilles; Provence; Rivera Jam; Rue Paradis; Mesmerized.
Personnel
The Rippingtons
band / ensemble / orchestraRuss Freeman: guitars, guitar synthesizer and keyboards; Dave Karasony: drums; Rico Belled: bass; Bill Heller: keyboards; Jeff Kashiwa: saxophones.
Album information
Title: Cote D' Azur | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: Peak Records
Comments
About The Rippingtons
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
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