The Rippingtons / Black Diamond

The Rippingtons featuing Russ Freeman started thier new musical journey with Windham Hill Jazz Label, Peak Records with this album titled "Black Diamond", their 10th Anniversary album. Russ Freeman, the main man of this great fusion / smooth jazz group must be one of very talented guitarists who could write smooth relaxing mellow melodies. One more thing to be noted was that Mark Williamson known for his solo works and as the singer of "Bridge 2 Far" were featured all through this album; taking lead vocal on a track (Track 7) and background vocals on six songs. The album reached number 1 on Billboard's contemporary Jazz chart then.

Release:16 September, 1997
Label: Peak Records, Windham Hill Jazz, USA (01934-11271-2)

Tracks:
1. Black Diamond
2. Deep Powder
3. Seven Nights In Rome
4. Soul Seeker
5. In Another Life
6. Big Sky
7. If I Owned The World
8. North Peak
9. Angelfire
10. Jewel Thieves
11. Black Diamond (Acoustic Version)

Producer: Russ Freeman
Executive Producers: Andi Howard, Russ Freeman

The Rippingtons:
Russ Freeman : Guitars, Keyboards
David Kochanski: Keyboards
Kim Stone: Bass
David Anderson: Drums
Jeff Kawshiwa: Sax, EWI
Steve Reid: Percussion

- Musicians -
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion: Mark Williamson
Trumpet: Arturo Sandoval
Sax, Flute: Nelson Rangell

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