The Rippingtons have always devoted a tune here and there to Latin music, and Freeman's recent move from Colorado to Boca Raton, Florida--40 minutes from Miami--found him rediscovering his intense passion for that genre's exceiting horn sections and unlimited percussive possibilities. More than just another Ripps recording, Life In The Tropics--the first Peak Records release under a new distribution deal with Concord Records--is a festive celebration of that irrepressible Latin vibe. Not surprisingly, it's also the band's most spontaneous sounding studio date ever. The Rippingtons have twelve albums to their credit, and fiery tunes such as "Avenida Del Mar", give guitar fans the edgy thrill that Freeman delivers regularly. The only mystery is the inclusion of a few vocal numbers - boys, let's keep it instrumental from here on out. Instrumental Guitar (Electric/Smooth Jazz/World), total running time, 50:19 - Rippingtons @ iTunes!