Russ Freeman is the founder and leader of the contemporary
jazz group, the Rippingtons. He was raised in Nashville and started playing the
guitar at the age of ten under the tutorage of one of his father’s friends who
was a Nashville session musician. By the age of sixteen, Russ was also playing
sessions. At the age of eighteen, he left Nashville for Los Angeles where his
first gigs were playing the background music for Jane Fonda’s workout videos
and commercials featuring Anne Murray and Englebert Humperdinck.
In 1986, he formed the Rippingtons, originally conceiving it
as a changing lineup of jazz musicians drawn from top session players. The
first version featured one of my favorite pianists, David Benoit along with
Brandon Fields, Dave Koz, and Kenny G on saxes. By 1993, the band solidified
into a six-piece group with Dave Kochanski on keyboards, Jeff Kashiwa on sax,
Kim Stone on bass, Tony Morales on drums, Steve Reid on percussion, and of
course, Freeman on guitar.
The Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards honored Russ with a Lifetime
Achievement Award as well as Producer of the Year in 2001. In 2000, Billboard
BET chose the Rippingtons as best group and Oasis gave them the same award for 2001
& 2002. Russ and the Rippingtons are one of the most listenable groups I’ve
ever heard and his guitar playing is definitely smooth. Great music to listen
to while I work on my consulting projects. Enjoy!
Larry’s World: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-ng9JJAStY
Jamaican nights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EHMHwaf2rA
East River Drive: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh3InUdZvBs
Brighter Day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0v5vTm_1_k
Cool in the shade: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uXMutSU8XA
Soul Dance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMuyLC_SJ4w
Guitarland: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ai0MvqxY9II
Moving violation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N4yYsA7dqk
Palmetto Park: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oq5yXYLviL8
Urban Wanderer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ga5f_1PBjA
Angel Fire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orHVogWmMKk
My wife and I got a Groupon to our favorite local restaurant
this week and enjoyed a bottle of the 2011 Girard Sauvignon Blanc ($18.00 in
stores) with our salmon. I’m a huge fan of Girard wines, particularly their
Petite Sirah, but this was the first time I’ve tasted their Sauvignon Blanc.
Its aromatics were full of citrus, lemon peel, and a tropical fruits. The taste
was a mix of citrus and mango, slightly dry, yet tart. It has a nice softness on the tongue and
bright acidity makes for a clean, crisp finish. I can see enjoying a bottle of
this when the weather turns warmer as I sit on my deck, watching the stars and
listening to Russ Freeman and the Rippingtons.
Cheers!
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