So two of my very favorite artists/rgroups came out with new records on March 10, 2009: Philippe Saisse and The Rippingtons. And they are both effing bomb.
I will say this, neither album particularly sounds like anything that they usually do, but they are still very good, quality songs. It bothers me to no end when people say, "This is so not their style". WTF? Do you think people are supposed to stay static in their lives, opinions, habits, likes and dislikes? The obvious answer to this question is NO. So why would you expect an artist to stay static in a style?
1st, Philippe Saisse. People are saying that this album is not like his last two albums and thank goodness that is true. I personally thought his last two albums were garbage, but I bought them because I am a die hard fan. This new album, At World's Edge takes me back to Next Voyage on some songs and to Halfway Til Dawn on other songs. It is just freaking bomb. He is definatley one of the best producers out there. You want to talk about hearing layers in your music???? OMG. Just listen to Topanga Moon Dance, that song gets it on so many levels.
I will say this, neither album particularly sounds like anything that they usually do, but they are still very good, quality songs. It bothers me to no end when people say, "This is so not their style". WTF? Do you think people are supposed to stay static in their lives, opinions, habits, likes and dislikes? The obvious answer to this question is NO. So why would you expect an artist to stay static in a style?
1st, Philippe Saisse. People are saying that this album is not like his last two albums and thank goodness that is true. I personally thought his last two albums were garbage, but I bought them because I am a die hard fan. This new album, At World's Edge takes me back to Next Voyage on some songs and to Halfway Til Dawn on other songs. It is just freaking bomb. He is definatley one of the best producers out there. You want to talk about hearing layers in your music???? OMG. Just listen to Topanga Moon Dance, that song gets it on so many levels.
Oh yeah, I let me revise a comment I made in a previous post. I went to go see Philippe Saisse in September of 2006 and I was soooo disappointed. So much so that I renounced his title of best pianist and gave it to Keiko Matsui. Now, I do not want to take anything away from Keiko, so I will give them both NEW titles. Keiko will get the title for best structural pianist. Meaning that I like her mechanics and the emotion she can convey through her music, especially when playing live. Keiko will make you want to cry because he music is unbelieably beautiful and touches something deep inside you. Now Philippe will get the best funk/soul/jazz pianist. The way he just rides the beats is freaking amazing. He is always in the pocket. I just love his style beyond words.
2nd, The Rippingtons. Just going to throw this out there, but with this album, The Rippingtons should be called Jeff Kashiwa and the Rippingtons, not so much Russ Freeman, but it is still great. He is killing it on alto and soprano sax on these songs. So enjoying it. A lot of people who have reviewed the album seem to be upset because it is more of a smooth jazz album with fewer percussion. Well, let's look at the title guys. It's called Modern Art. Key word, Modern. Once again, they are switching up. If you listened to the album and was told it was som unknown band, you would like it. But just because it is not what you are used to from the Rippington's doesnt mean that you automatically have to dislike it.
