Drive

This 10-song voyage starts mellow with "Guitarland" and "Villa by the Sea," the former an obvious sonic homage to Freeman's duets with guitarist Craig Chaquico, and the latter a hook-laden acoustic number that is sure to find its way to the radio. Drive then moves into high gear with help from its special guests. Keyboardist Jeff Lorber and Freeman mesh their distinct styles seamlessly on the bouncy title track and "Brighter Day." And saxophonist Eric Marienthal sweetly coalesces with the guitarist on "Anywhere Near You," maybe the disc's most romantic cut. Freeman's choice of cover tunes is inspired, particularly Grover Washington Jr.'s "East River Drive," where the guitarist slyly mimic's the G-Man's sax tone, and Don Henley's "The Boys of Summer." Because the Rippingtons are an extension of who Freeman is, some tracks here have the group's sound, but on the whole, Freeman has done a good job of making sure it is the voice of his guitar heard on his first non-holiday solo album since his 1985 classic, Nocturnal Playground. --Mark Ruffin