More Often Than Not

Because Russ Freeman has always done all the composing and producing for the Rippingtons, the band's other members have naturally gravitated towards developing solo careers as an outlet for their own talents in these areas. While the solo efforts by Mark Portmann, Jeff Kashiwa, and Steve Reid have all borne the band's stamp of ultra-melodic smooth jazz, longtime bassist Kim Stone takes a different tack on his debut. Far from the typical radio programmer's dream, Stone's emergence recalls the freer form days of funky fusion, when melodies and grooves were less predictable and a spirit of experimentation ruled the day. The bubbly bass-percussion bounce of "Silver" gives way to a twisting melody that explores more than hooks the listener upon first hearing the record; listen closely, and you can find subtle worldbeat voices sweeping over the grooves. Likewise, while most smooth jazz performers' idea of retro soul is a Fender Rhodes bed and a few wah-wah clicks under a pop melody, Stone on the title track allows keyboardist Bob Mocarsky to take the moody and mystical, almost avante-garde approach over a swaying supporting bassline. Stone is most engaging on frenetic bass-percussion jams like "Bop Bop," but there's something seductive about his elongated, Mark Egan-like tones on the spacey noodler "Why Did You Go?." He's no Brian Bromberg melodically, but he creates an interesting point-counterpoint situation on the folksy "In a Mellow Tone"; he plays half of a line on the low register, then follows with a higher tone response to conclude the statement. He takes a half-hearted stab at singing (along with his daughter Kalia Jane, who did the cover art) on a subtle version of the Beatles' "I Will." Ripps lovers may take a while to absorb the sometimes wayward muses that take Stone here and yonder, but those seeking a bit more adventure will like this effort, er, more often than not.