The Rippingtons Featuring Russ Freeman Tell "True Stories" To Celebrate 30th Anniversary Year

LOS ANGELES - June 23, 2016 - PRLog -- Original Rippington Saxophonist Brandon Fields, Grammy Winner Jeffrey Osborne, Dave Karasony and Rico Belled Appear With Freeman on New Album

"When I started the Rippingtons, I never imagined it would last more than the release of one album, let alone thirty years!" recalls Russ Freeman, leader and founder of the pioneering, GRAMMY® nominated group The Rippingtons, who are celebrating their 30^th anniversary year with the release of True Stories, the band's 22^nd recording to be released June 24, 2016.

True Stories, recorded over an intensive three-month span, is a refreshing elixir that will delight devout fans of The Rippingtons and attract new ones. Joined by original Rippington, alto and soprano saxophonist Brandon Fields, drummer Dave Karasony, bassist and rhodes player Rico Belled and special guest Jeffrey Osborne, Freeman orchestrates ten compelling originals.

On True Stories Freeman's choice of axe is a Patrick Cummings gold custom Brian Moore 30^th Anniversary Russ Freeman model guitar. He plays it on all the album tracks with the exception of "Wonderland," which features a Rosewood Fender Telecaster. The epic number transports listeners through several breathtaking, suspenseful movements that are crystallized by Freeman's beautiful and intuitive playing. He cites this song as his favorite on the CD and you can hear the love he pours into each unforgettable moment. Amazingly, the song was recorded in one take. Thee album opens with "Wild Tales," also it's first single release-a fusion of jazz with touches of EDM and world influences. "Sundance," follows featuring the lyrical saxophone of Brandon Fields and blues-filled and rockin' and guitar lines of Freeman. "Sundance reminds me of the hard work of songwriting. Sometimes you have to make yourself grind it out and you get lucky. This song is perfect for the live band," shares Freeman who will be taking True Stories on the road this Summer.

An avid traveler and lover of culture, Freeman takes us on a journey to Spain as he pays homage to the Spanish tradition of Andalusia, the southern region where Islamic and indigenous music flourish. The majestic and arresting "Flamenco Beach," is a composition that Freeman says played in his head until he finally sat down to write it. Another highpoint on True Stories comes in the form of the devotional "My Promise," an enchanting song, featuring GRAMMY-winning singer Jeffrey Osborne. Freeman co-wrote the gem with his talented wife Yaredt, who has contributed several songs to The Rippingtons songbook. Reuniting Jeffrey with the band came as a recommendation from Freeman's long time manager Andi Howard, conjuring up some of the magic they created with their unforgettable collaboration on the Thom Bell/Paul Hurtt classic "I'll Be Around," which was a hit for the Spinners as well as Freeman when it appeared on his 1994 album Sahara.

"Dreamcatcher" is ethereal and wistful and "Golden Child," is a blues fueled number with stop-time rhythms that will have you dancing before you know it. In typical fashion, The Rippington's leave us with something to remember with the album's unforgettable title track. It is a divine, dramatic, impressionistic and contemplative track that highlights Brandon Fields' sublime soprano and a wonderful piano solo from Freeman. "I'm so pleased to have Brandon back with The Ripps," says the guitarist.  "Our collaboration precedes the band going back to my first solo album. Our communication is effortless and I am amazed at how he is able to always interpret my melody writing."

Devoted fans of the The Rippingtons are well acquainted with the band's beloved, spunky and funky mascot, the jazz cat, who has graced all 22 album covers.  "I love the outlandish graphics which were intentionally calibrated.

The Nashville born, LA based guitarist began studying classical guitar at age eleven and picked up the guitar four years later.  Such iconic players as Larry Carlton, Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Paco de Lucia and James Taylor, among others, have influenced Freeman's own distinctive style through the years. "I have always attributed the band's success to our loyal fans," says the humble maverick.  A testament to  Freeman's Midas touch and the reverence his peers have for him is the who list of stars who have been featured with The Rippingtons through the years. Some of those artists include vocalists Patti Austin, Jeffrey Osborne and The Whispers, pianists Bob James, Joe Sample and David Benoit and saxophonists Kenny G, Jeff Kashiwa, Paul Taylor and Kirk Whalum, to name a few. Freeman's dynamic and adventurous compositions have long been a centerpiece of The Rippingtons' signature sound. "Once I learned to free myself from self imposed constraints, I found new ways to express ideas musically," explains Freeman. The Rippingtons' irresistible auditory confection has catapulted their albums to the top of the charts time and time again. In fact, virtually all of their recordings have hit Top 5 on the Contemporary jazz charts and several have landed #1 albums including Welcome To the St. James Club, Curves Ahead, Tourist in Paradise, Sahara and Black Diamond.

True Stories is a testament to the unwavering artistry of Russ Freeman and The Rippingtons and confirmation that there are still many more tales to be told. "I'm trying to reach for a place I have not been. I'm looking for inspiration. I never look back. "It is this forward momentum that propels the notes on True Stories and keeps the listeners yearning for the next chapter.

TRUE STORIES

The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman/Release Date: June 24, 2016

1.     Wild Tales

2.     Sundance

3.     Flamenco Beach

4.     My Promise featuring Jeffrey Osborne

5.     Reach Higher

6.     Dream Catcher

7.     Wonderland

8.     Kings Road

9.     Gold Child

10.  True Stories

http://www.rippingtons.com