Curves Ahead

The Rippingtons
Duration: 5:26
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Starting in the 1980s, smooth jazz greatly expanded the audience for jazz-adjacent music. The best performers of this sub-genre could solo ably enough to please casual listeners. However, the Achilles Heel of the smooth movement was that the typical song’s melody and changes weren’t unique and catchy enough to warrant a passionate devotion. Without that, the tunes could border on elevator “muzak.” The Rippingtons, led by guitarist Russ Freeman, met and surpassed that melodic hurdle with contemporary jazz hits such as “Welcome to the St. James’ Club,” “Tourist in Paradise” and "Curves Ahead." The band’s doubled-up leads on guitar (or guitar synth penny whistle) and sax, phat synth sounds, and locked-in digital and acoustic percussion rhythms were easy to identify on the radio. Also, be sure to listen for the poppin' bass riffs. The Rippingtons join Spyro Gyra, Fattburger and Fourplay among the most satisfying groups of that era.

Posted by Scott Lichtman.