Rating:
Genre:
Jazz
Release Date: 03/10/2009
Run Time: 0:00
Different musical historians will offer different opinions on exactly when smooth jazz got started. One could argue that the commercial pop-jazz that guitarist
Wes Montgomery recorded for
A&M with producer
Creed Taylor in 1967 and 1968 (after
Montgomery quit recording straight-ahead bop) marked the beginning of smooth jazz, but it was in the 1980s that the smooth jazz/NAC radio format really took off -- and
the Rippingtons have often reaped the benefits of the format's popularity. Along the way, they have recorded plenty of innocuous, lightweight fluff; 2009's
Modern Art often fits that description, but the 49-minute CD does have its moments. At times, guitarist
Russ Freeman (
the Rippingtons' founder and longtime leader) sounds like he yearns to break free of the smooth jazz/NAC format's constraints and limitations -- and a somewhat edgier side of the group asserts itself with decent results on
"Body Art," the funky
"Jet Set," and the title track. Also, there is a bit of an intrigue factor on the flamenco-tinged
"Pastels on Canvas." ~Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
;)
Listen
