| Rank | Album | Year | Key Track | |------|-------|------|------------| | 1 | Moonlighting | 1986 | "Angels in the Snow" | | 2 | Tourist in Paradise | 1989 | "Caribbean Dawn" | | 3 | Weekend in Monaco | 1990 | "Principessa" | | 4 | Curves Ahead | 1991 | "Curves Ahead" | | 5 | Kilimanjaro | 1988 | "Kilimanjaro" |
By this point, the formula had grown thin. Freeman’s playing remains flawless, but the songwriting feels automated. “Body Art” and “Gemini” recycle earlier ideas. Not bad, but no surprises.
For over three decades, The Rippingtons have been the gold standard of contemporary jazz—or as they prefer it, "modern jazz." Founded in 1985 by guitarist/composer Russ Freeman, the group has never been a fixed band but a fluid collective of virtuosos (including keyboardists Jeff Lorber and David Benoit, saxophonists Brandon Fields and Eric Marienthal, and percussionist Steve Reid). Their signature sound is a sun-drenched fusion of slick R&B grooves, world music percussion, and electric guitar lyricism. the rippingtons albums ranked
: High-class, energetic, and features some of the best saxophone hooks in the band's history. 🏆 The Masterpieces: The Top 6
The debut that started it all. It is widely considered by publications like Jazziz to be one of the most influential contemporary jazz albums ever made. Fresh, imaginative, and timeless. 1. Live in L.A. (1992) | Rank | Album | Year | Key
The band’s most “European” album—sleek, polished, almost yacht-rock adjacent. “Highroller” and “Monte Carlo” are fun, but the energy dips in the middle. A solid listen, but lacks the fire of their best.
Here’s a thoughtful, fan-centric write-up ranking The Rippingtons’ albums, from essential listening to deep cuts. Not bad, but no surprises
The band tries to inject some rock energy back into the formula. "Paris Groove" is a standout, with a punchy guitar riff that recalls early Rippingtons. But tracks like "Thunderball" feel like generic action movie cues. The album is uneven; for every moment of inspiration, there are two minutes of forgettable noodling.
