You either hated it or totally loved it.  That was the feeling back in 1997 and continues to be the debate on many internet jazz forums when discussing The Rippingtons CD, Black Diamond.   I have to say that I am in the “loved it” category and never understood why so many folks didn’t.  Maybe it was my love of skiing, the theme of this CD, that caught my attention, or the sheer fact that this CD totally rocks!  As The Rippingtons celebrate their 20th anniversary, it is appropriate to look back at this CD as they celebrated their 10th. 

The title track is truly a favorite of mine and continues to be played at many of The Ripps concerts.  It is also included in the 20th Anniversary medley currently being played.  The blend of Russ Freeman on his signature guitar sound and Jeff Kashiwa on the EWI truly painted the picture Russ longed to paint – skiing with passion.  It is a completely funky tune that never fails to pull the listener in for the ride.    You can actually feel the ending of the song bring you to the bottom of a slope.  “Deep Powder” was Russ Freeman’s salute to the feeling he felt hitting the deep powder at Keystone in the Colorado Rockies.  You get completely taken in by the surroundings and the music.  With Kashiwa on the tenor sax, Mark Williamson on background vocals, and the wind blowing by, this is another tune that invokes the purity of deep powder.  It is a fast-paced track that seems to be on a never-ending journey.

“Seven Nights in Rome” is just a beautiful song.  Hearing Russ on a classical guitar always creates a sexy mood.  But Russ doesn’t just leave it there.  He also plays the mandolin, keyboards, and percussion.  He’s joined by Kim Stone on bass to create this European-flavored song.  For more background vocals by Mark Williamson, check out “Soul Seeker.”  This funky track has an opening sax solo by Jeff Kashiwa.  The sax continues to lead the way and is then joined by Russ’ guitar and Mark’s vocals.  It is aptly titled and is a very introspective tune.  One can feel the mood of skiing solo with much reflection.  There is a terrific mid-song keyboard solo by Dave Kochanski.

“In Another Life” is all guitar with a little help from the trumpet of Mark Ledford.  The melody is infectious and carries you right along with the crisp guitar licks from Russ.  For a purely fun tune, check out “Big Sky.”  Featuring Russ on keyboards, Brian Moore on guitar and mandolin, Dave Kochanski on acoustic piano and organ, Kim Stone on bass, and Mark Williamson on very subtle vocals, this song just rocks.  You can feel the openness of this song and the energy from all of the band.

Mellowing things out a bit is the one true vocal on this CD, “If I Owned the World.”  Mark Williamson provides the wonderful vocals followed by the guitar of Russ.  It’s a beautiful song evoking wonderful picturesque images.  The guitar work, provided by both Russ and Mark, is so gentle.  “North Peak” brings in Steve Reid on percussion.  This showcases Steve doing his finest.  It is extremely fast paced and totally led by Steve’s rhythms.  Next up is “Angelfire” which again brings Russ’ classical guitar into the forefront.  Arturo Sandoval adds the trumpet solo alongside Pete Escovedo on percussion.  This song is very Latin-infused and really shows off Russ’ guitar talent.  “Jewel Thieves” brings in Nelson Rangell on alto and tenor saxes and flute to lead the way on this funky track.  This, to me, was always the radio-friendly song on this CD with its melodic and catchy chorus.

Rounding out the CD is an acoustic version of the title track, “Black Diamond.”  I wondered why this was necessary because the original was so powerful.  This version is completely stripped down and brings in Jeff Kashiwa on the soprano sax, rather than the EWI.  It is a slower, more deliberate sounding version.

This CD has always been a favorite of mine in The Rippingtons’ collection.  It showed a different side to the band and gave more insight to what inspires Russ’ writing.  Hard to believe that after ten years, this album is still causing a stir.  That in itself says something about the music of The Rippingtons.  Be sure to break this one out again and rediscover it.

- Bonnie Schendell