The Rippingtons' love for grooving is insatiable. Anchored by guitarist/songwriter Russ Freeman and featuring a revolving cast of players, the group deal in a brand of jazz fusion that folds lush arrangements into crisp funk beats. Their early recordings, including the soul-inflected “She Likes to Watch” and the rock-driven “Morocco,” have horn lines sailing across watery synth chords inspired by the tropical cool of mid-'80s pop. What sets the group apart is Freeman's gift for drawing in touches of world music: “Gypsy Eyes” laces their trademark funk with flamenco guitar, North African percussion, and hushed electronics.