Description
Rippingtons Featuring Russ Freeman – Tourist In Paradise – Vinyl Record
Tourist in Paradise is the third studio album by the American contemporary jazz group The Rippingtons, released in 1989. The album, spearheaded by guitarist and composer Russ Freeman, is one of the most popular releases in the smooth jazz genre and is often credited with helping to define the sound of late-80s and early-90s jazz fusion. Known for its upbeat rhythms, tropical influences, and sophisticated arrangements, Tourist in Paradise combines Freeman’s melodic guitar work with lush saxophones, keyboards, and percussion to create a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. This album became a hallmark of The Rippingtons’ style, capturing the breezy, feel-good aesthetic that became synonymous with their name.
The Rippingtons, led by Russ Freeman, emerged in the mid-1980s and quickly became known for blending jazz fusion, pop, and Latin influences. Tourist in Paradise was recorded as the band’s popularity began to rise, capturing the signature sound that would come to define them. The album’s style reflects Freeman’s knack for blending catchy, accessible melodies with intricate jazz elements, creating a sound that appealed to both jazz purists and casual listeners. Freeman’s guitar work is at the forefront of the album, complemented by keyboards, horns, and percussion that evoke a sense of tropical adventure.
The album’s production is polished and refined, characteristic of the smooth jazz genre. It features vibrant instrumentation, intricate layering, and seamless transitions, making each track feel immersive and cohesive. The lush arrangements and Freeman’s tasteful guitar solos give Tourist in Paradise a cinematic quality, as if inviting listeners on a musical journey through scenic, sunlit landscapes.
Key Tracks
“Tourist in Paradise” – The title track is a quintessential smooth jazz piece with a warm, relaxing feel. Freeman’s melodic guitar lines lead the way, supported by soft keyboard textures and subtle Latin percussion. The song captures the essence of the album, evoking images of tropical beaches and leisurely escapes.
“Aruba!” – This high-energy track takes listeners on an upbeat, rhythm-driven journey. The song’s vibrant tempo and engaging melody make it one of the standout pieces on the album. The Latin-influenced percussion and bright saxophone lines give it a celebratory, festive quality.
“One Summer Night in Brazil” – A romantic, mid-tempo track that incorporates Brazilian samba rhythms, this song features gentle guitar work layered over smooth saxophone and subtle percussion. The track has a sensual feel that transports listeners to a breezy, tropical evening, capturing the warmth and intimacy of a summer night.
“Earthbound” – Known for its hauntingly beautiful melody, “Earthbound” is one of the more contemplative pieces on the album. Freeman’s guitar takes on a more ambient tone here, creating a dreamy, introspective soundscape that adds depth and balance to the album’s lighter tracks.
“The Princess” – A mellow, elegant piece with a whimsical quality, “The Princess” combines soft guitar leads with soothing saxophone, creating a relaxed atmosphere. This track showcases the band’s versatility, blending gentle melodies with sophisticated jazz arrangements.
Tourist in Paradise reflects escapism, adventure, and a sense of wanderlust. Each track feels like a different chapter of a vacation, with titles and sounds that evoke tropical destinations, romance, and scenic beauty. The album’s cover art, featuring the band’s signature jaguar in a Hawaiian shirt against a beach setting, adds to the sense of adventure and easy-going relaxation.
The music’s relaxing tone is enhanced by Freeman’s smooth, melodious guitar work, which is often set against a backdrop of synths, soft percussion, and lush saxophone lines. The album’s soundscape is both dreamy and grounded, balancing the lighter, sunlit tunes with introspective, romantic moments.
Tourist in Paradise was a significant commercial success, reaching fans of both jazz and mainstream listeners looking for something easy-going yet sophisticated. It helped The Rippingtons cement their place as one of the leading bands in smooth jazz, and the album received praise for its accessible sound and polished production. Critics appreciated Freeman’s compositional skills, noting his ability to create a cohesive album that worked as well as background music as it did for focused listening.
The album’s appeal extended well beyond the jazz community, bringing smooth jazz to a larger audience and influencing other artists in the genre. Tourist in Paradise became a defining record for the Rippingtons, showcasing their blend of jazz fusion with tropical and Latin elements that would become a staple in their future work.
Tourist in Paradise remains a beloved album in the smooth jazz genre, cherished for its warm, escapist quality and timeless appeal. Its evocative melodies and breezy atmosphere have made it a go-to album for listeners seeking relaxation and an uplifting musical escape. The album not only solidified The Rippingtons’ reputation but also helped shape the direction of smooth jazz in the late 1980s and 90s. For fans of jazz fusion, contemporary jazz, and tropical-inspired music, Tourist in Paradise continues to be a cornerstone of Russ Freeman’s creative vision and an essential listening experience for lovers of smooth, genre-blending jazz.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic but small promo cut in spine
Track Listing
Tourist In Paradise
Jupiter’s Child
Aruba!
One Summer Night In Brazil
Earthbound
Let’s Stay Together
One Ocean Way
Destiny
The Princess
