Rippingtons add a pop wrinkle to smooth sound

Smooth jazz hasn’t always been smooth, or even particularly jazz-like. And in recent years, the label has been more useful as a marketing tool than a description of the music it allegedly encompassed. Friday’s program at the Greek Theatre was a good case in point.

The headliners, the Rippingtons, revealed their entertaining capacity to remain unrestricted by the pop music definitions of the genre. With guitarist Russ Freeman and saxophonist Eric Marienthal leading the way, the selections embraced everything from funk grooves and Nuevo Flamenco rhythms to an off-center crack at the mambo and some brisk jazz rock.

Aided by a three-man horn section (in addition to Marienthal), a few of the tunes called up memories of Blood, Sweat & Tears. More commonly, it was Freeman’s articulate guitar that was the catalyst for the music, his mellow sound and fluid melody lines invigorating numbers such as “Let It Ripp” and “Stingray” from the band’s latest album--as well as such familiar Rippingtons items as “Welcome to the St. James Club.”

Further enhancing the set, Marienthal -- on “Mr. 3” -- made it clear that he is as comfortable with straight-ahead jazz improvising as with instrumental pop.

Opener keyboardist-trombonist Brian Culbertson took a different path, using the smooth jazz genre to showcase his apparent pop-star ambitions. Strutting the stage and posing dramatically, tossing his blond locks, he dimmed the impact of his modest musical skills in the glare of his theatrical presence.

Fellow opener Mindi Abair took the showboat route as well, with more reliance upon the stylistic road maps established by Dave Koz, Kenny G and others.