The Rippingtons

Russ Freeman of The Rippingtons

Sunday, August 24, 2008
6:15pm Main Stage
listen to music

The Rippingtons, founded in 1986 by Grammy-nominated guitarist Russ Freeman, celebrated their 20th anniversary in 2006. And they are still gowing strong!

The band has enjoyed tremendous success from the beginning, with their groundbreaking album "Moonlighting", which Jazziz magazine voted to be the #1 Most Influential Contemporary Jazz Album of all time.

The Rippingtons have had several number one Billboard-charting albums, and also won several Oasis Awards, including awarded Group Of The Year by the Oasis Awards, both in 2001 and 2002, as well as Achievement In Video, 1999.

Early personnel included David Benoit, Kenny G, Brandon Fields, and Gregg Karukas. Special guest stars have included Arturo Sandoval, Abita, Willy Chirino, Dave Grusin, Joe Sample, Dave Koz, Bob James, Ozomatli, Kirk Whalum, Chante Moore and David Benoit... the list goes on.

This respected group has gained a worldwide fan base. Their latest CD, "20th Anniversary", has reached #1 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart, but they aren't slowing down.

Looking forward to the next twenty years, Freeman says, “When I started The Ripps, my focus was on producing and writing and just getting the music out there, but over the course of time, I started to achieve everything
I originally set out to do as a guitarist as well. I have always loved playing the electric, but in the last few years, have fallen in love again with the classical guitar, and feel I’ve come a long way as a player. Leading the Ripps
has allowed me to be challenged by some of the world’s greatest musicians, and that has contributed enormously to my development. Trends have come and go in smooth jazz, but our music is about transcending what’s hot
now for music that will endure. If you put it out straight from the heart and keep taking chances, it will stand the test of time.”