Life in the Tropics -- the first Peak Records release for
the Rippingtons -- features guitarist
Russ Freeman and is a great smooth jazz celebration of rhythmic delights that resemble the tropical splendor of an island oasis. The natural beauty of each composition is reflected by the great talents of
the Rippingtons:
Kim Stone on bass,
Dave Kochanski on keyboards,
Ramon Yslas on percussion, and
Dave Hooper on drums, along with special guests the great saxophonists
Dave Koz,
Eric Marienthal, and
Paul Taylor, keyboardist Bob James, and guitarist
Peter White. The centerpiece of this CD is "Love Child," a sensuous mid-tempo ballad that alternates the brilliant sax work of
Marienthal and
Taylor as
Freeman strums an emotional string sonnet under soulful synths and keyboards. The romantic vocals of Howard Hewitt on "I Found Heaven" invite you to rediscover his intense passion for a great love ballad. Its lyrics convey the excellent songwriting abilities of
Freeman and
Gary Brown and their ability to connect to the emotional melorhythms of the listener. The fresh sounds revealed on
Life in the Tropics are sure to please you because of their melodic elements, rhythms, brass, and great guitar of
Russ Freeman. ~ Paula Edelstein