RUSS FREEMAN
Drive (Peak)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

---

You may or may not consider the title 'smooth jazz superstar' to be particularly complimentary, but it's a title that Russ Freeman has certainly earned. As the founder of The Rippingtons, owner of Peak Records and contributor as a producer, composer and performer to some of the best known, and best in most any way, albums in the category, he's racked up several honors from the National Smooth Jazz Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. It's what he does, as well as anyone and far better than most.

The evidence is all over his latest solo outing (and his first non-holiday solo recording in 17 years), Drive. He's joined by a group of similarly renowned players from the smooth jazz/instrumental pop world, including trumpeter Chris Botti, keyboardist Jeff Lorber and saxophonist Eric Marienthal, among others. It's a departure from his group efforts, though, in that he takes the occasion to keep his guitar work front and center throughout, and there's no question that he's an exceptional talent on his chosen instrument. Jazz purists may quibble with the style of music he has pioneered, but there's no question about his command of the fretboard. Listeners willing to set aside any preconceptions about what kind of music he's playing will be richly rewarded by hearing music, regardless of genre, played exceptionally well. Are there times when I wish there was a bit more emotional depth to match the technical brilliance? Sure. Is this a good album by a great player? It certainly is, and deserves your attention as such.

Track List:

Guitarland * Villa By The Sea * Soul Dance * Brighter Day * Boys Of Summer * Anywhere Near You * Drive * Cool In The Shade * East River Drive * Bellagio

© 2002 - Shaun Dale