Topaz
Whether traveling musically to places like "Aruba" or "Kenya" or spending a playful "Weekend in Monaco" as he did in 1992, Russ Freeman has mastered the art of the exotic smooth-jazz sojourn. This time, he and the new Rippingtons lineup (with guest Paul Taylor replacing longtime saxman Jeff Kashiwa) conjure images of the New Mexico arts community of Taos.Long a brilliant classical guitarist, Freeman upped the ante with a memorable flamenco jaunt on the Ripps' last album, Black Diamond; here, inspired by the Spanish vibe of his adopted environment, he more fully explores those traditions in an accessible pop context. On the opening track, "Taos," he follows a gently loping flamenco pattern with a powerful electric-guitar-driven hook that reminds us that he is indeed one of smooth jazz's best melody writers and producers. "Under a Spanish Moon" begins with a rumbling flamenco intro by Tom Gannaway, then becomes a lively, atmosphere-heavy, Latin-flavored romp led along a dusty desert trail by Freeman's swaying acoustic melody, and enhanced by a sparkling Dave Kochanski piano solo.Freeman's liner notes explain that his interest in all things Western grew from his 1998 project with Craig Chaquico, From the Redwoods to the Rockies. The jumpy acoustic jam "Snakedance" sounds like an outtake from those sessions, only with Freeman himself crisply counterpointing rhythm and melody lines with two overdubbed, interweaving acoustic-guitar tracks.Since soundscape master Steve Reid left the band (having lent his hand to just one track here) Freeman turns for spiritual atmosphere to Native American flutist Robert Tree Cody. Cody appears on three tunes, blending perfectly with Freeman's guitars on "Stories of the Painted Desert" and taking the lead over a rolling, dark-toned bass line on "Led Here by an Eagle." His presence adds a touch of authenticity to Freeman's brilliant reflection of the spirit on the Southwest.--- Jonathan Widran, JAZZIZ MagazineCopyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.--From Jazziz