Life in the Tropics

Amazon.com
When Russ Freeman and the Rippingtons exploded on the contemporary jazz scene in 1986 with Moonlighting, the leader's compositional and production style was a breath of fresh air. Over the next decade, however, his much-copied style became a parody of itself and the epitome of the tepid music associated with smooth-jazz radio. After a couple of record label changes, Freeman seems to have regrouped somewhat with Life in the Tropics. Although the first two tracks offer the same Rips formula of a guitar and/or sax line playing a line with computer-generated rhythms behind synthesizer flourishes adding up to nothing special, cuts 3 through 11 show Freeman searching for a new aural core to his style, a lot of which has to do with the Latin and Caribbean themes of the disc. In fact, "South Beach Mambo" sounds straight out of Santana's Supernatural sessions with a horn section adding spice. Saxman Eric Marienthal and pianist Bill Heller stand out, as does trumpeter Ramon Flores. The latter's horn stands particularly since it isn't the smooth-jazz clichéd alto horn sound that the Rippingtons made infamous. Keyboardist Bob James also does a guest shot on what is easily the Rippingtons' best album since 1994's Sahara. --Mark A. Ruffin

Life in the Tropics,The Rippingtons,Peak Records,Crossover Jazz,Jazz,Jazz Music,Jazz-Pop,Pop,Smooth Jazz

Average customer rating: The Rippingtons head to the beach! Whoo! Good The Rippingtons: Love This Music! Love it so much had to buy another one

Life in the Tropics The Rippingtons Manufacturer: Peak Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Wild Card Tourist in Paradise Let It Ripp Black Diamond Moonlighting ASIN: B00004Z42V Release Date: 2000-10-10

Tracks:

1. Club Paradiso
2. Caribbean Breeze
3. Cruisin' Down Ocean Drive
4. Be Cool
5. Rhythm Of Your Life
6. Love Child
7. Avenida Del Mar
8. I Found Heaven
9. South Beach Mambo
10. Life In The Tropics
11. Island Aphrodisiac

Amazon.com

When Russ Freeman and the Rippingtons exploded on the contemporary jazz scene in 1986 with Moonlighting, the leader's compositional and production style was a breath of fresh air. Over the next decade, however, his much-copied style became a parody of itself and the epitome of the tepid music associated with smooth-jazz radio. After a couple of record label changes, Freeman seems to have regrouped somewhat with Life in the Tropics. Although the first two tracks offer the same Rips formula of a guitar and/or sax line playing a line with computer-generated rhythms behind synthesizer flourishes adding up to nothing special, cuts 3 through 11 show Freeman searching for a new aural core to his style, a lot of which has to do with the Latin and Caribbean themes of the disc. In fact, "South Beach Mambo" sounds straight out of Santana's Supernatural sessions with a horn section adding spice. Saxman Eric Marienthal and pianist Bill Heller stand out, as does trumpeter Ramon Flores. The latter's horn stands particularly since it isn't the smooth-jazz clichéd alto horn sound that the Rippingtons made infamous. Keyboardist Bob James also does a guest shot on what is easily the Rippingtons' best album since 1994's Sahara. --Mark A. Ruffin

Customer Reviews:

The Rippingtons head to the beach! Whoo!.......2006-06-11

I've loved the Rippingtons since I was little, but this is only the first abulm I ever bought for myself. This is a good one for anybody who likes jazz to have a tropical flare in it - it's all over this album! While only a couple of the songs seemed kind of slow, this CD still has that kind of beat in thier songs that the Rippingtons have always been famous for. Hence, the 5 star!

Good.......2006-02-21

It was a purchase to replace a previous purchase and yet it was difficult to copy to my ipod. That feature had nothing to do with the seller it is a glitch the company selling the cd's has put into the cd. It has hapened on nearly all of my Rippington cd's although they were put to my ipod!

The Rippingtons:.......2005-08-19

I have been a Rippingtons fan for a long time, and I own just about all of their albums. Usually, when they produce something new I buy it. Their music appeals to my ears and fits my moods. Anyone who enjoys great music will enjoy the rich sound of the
Rippingtons. Enjoy!

Love This Music!.......2005-08-18

We love this CD and listen to it very often. It reminds us so much of Miami - the place we love most on earth!

Love it so much had to buy another one.......2005-08-12

I've been a Rippingtons fan for years and was privileged to attent a concert when Russ and the crew were traveling through our town. They did a couple of songs from Life in the Tropics and I knew I had to have it once it hit the stores. Since it's first release I've played it numerous times and it was a favorite of mine when I hit our beautiful Florida Emerald Coast beaches. The songs send me to a place that's both relaxing and peaceful while at the same time electric. If a person can wear out a CD....I did so I had to get another one. I highly recommend this CD to anyone regardless of age. So sit back and prepare to be transported to the Tropics.

Average customer rating:

Life Upon the Wicked Stage Carole Cook , Jerome Kern , Grant Geissman , David Stout [trombone] , Dan Fornero , John Fumo , Brock Peters , James Anderson , Jane Lanier , Lauren Kennedy , Linda Michele , Marissa Jaret Winokur , Melissa Errico , Reece Holland , Robert Morse , Rod McKuen , Roger Rees , Ronnie Franklin , and Steve Orich Manufacturer: Lml Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Traditional Vocalists | Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Tap Your Troubles Away - The Words and Music of Jerry Herman (Historic All-Star Tribute) Kurt Weill: The Centennial ABC (Adler, Bock, Coleman) Over The Rainbow: The Music Of Harold Arlen (1995 Benefit Concert Cast) Dream: The Lyrics and Music of Johnny Mercer ASIN: B0000658H9 Release Date: 2002-05-07

Tracks:

1. The Song Is You - Jamie Anderson
2. How'd You like To Spoon With Me? - Jane Lanier
3. The Land Where The Good Songs Go - Pamela Myers
4. All The Things You Are - Alan Campbell
5. The Folks Who Live On The Hill - Lee Lessack
6. She Didn't Say Yes - Marissa Jaret Winokur
7. Pick Yourself Up - Street Sounds
8. You Couldn't Be Cuter - Marsha Kramer
9. Shimmy With Me - Lea Thompson
10. They All Look Alike - Bruce Vilanch
11. There It Is Again - David Holladay
12. Remind Me - Ron Rifkin
13. In Love In Vain - Melissa Errico
14. Make Believe - Linda Michele
15. Ol' Man River - Brock Peters
16. You Are Love - Dale Kristien
17. I Won't Dance - Bonnie Franklin

Tracks:

1. The Last Time I Saw Paris - Charles Busch
2. Long Ago (And Far Away) - Pam Dawber
3. They Didn't Believe Me - Pat Marshall
4. Look For The Silver Lining - Rod McKuen
5. A Fine Romance - Jane Carr
6. Sure Thing - Sally Kellerman
7. Don't Ever Leave Me/Why Was I Born - Joely Fisher
8. I'm Old Fashioned - Robert Morse
9. Yesterdays - Joan Ryan
10. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - Dorian Harewood
11. In The Heart Of The Dark - Dale Kristien
12. Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man - Valarie Pettiford
13. The Way You Look Tonight - Hugh Panaro
14. Life On The Wicked Stage - Carole Cook
15. I've Told Every Little Star - Carole Cook
16. Till The Clouds Roll By - The Company

Pop Music:

1. Live at Jazz Standard [Live]
2. Maarifa Street: Magic Realism, Vol. 2
3. Mister Magic
4. Money Money 2020 (Bonus DVD)
5. Nouveau Flamenco: 1990-2000 Special Edition [Extra tracks]
6. Piano Reflections
7. Recuerdos de Habana: A Portrait at 80
8. Reverence
9. Right Here, Right Now
10. Secret Story

Pop Music