Past members have included bassists Kim Stone, 1990–2008, Steve Bailey and Bill Lanphier; saxophone players Jeff Kashiwa, Paul Taylor, Eric Marienthal, Kenny G, Kirk Whalum, and Nelson Rangell; pianists/keyboard players Dave Kochanski, David Benoit, Gregg Karukas, Tom McMorran and Mark Portmann; drummers Tony Morales, David Anderson, Omar Hakim, and Dave Hooper; and percussionists Scott Breadman, Ray Yslas and Steve Reid.

[7][3][8] The album was well received by critics and consumers and featured the song "She Likes to Watch," which has gone on to become a staple of the band's live set and one of their signature tunes.

[2][8] The tour for this album featured the group's first visit to Japan with David Benoit, where they joined the special summer concert series in Tokyo produced by Japanese saxophonist Sadao Watanabe.

In August 1990, bassist Kim Stone joined the group replacing Steve Bailey; the album Welcome to the St. James' Club was released that month,[10][8] and became the band's first CD to debut at #1 in the Billboard Charts.

The move influenced the group's next album, Curves Ahead,[8] which was released in August, and featured songs based on Africa, Brazil, and the ski atmosphere in Colorado.

February 1996 saw the release of Brave New World,[17][3] which featured covers of "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," and "Caravan of Love."

Tony Morales, the original drummer, left the band after this release to pursue a career in web management.

In 1999, Dave Hooper and Ramon Yslas joined the Rippingtons, and Jeff Kashiwa was replaced by Paul Taylor.

The album features guest vocal spots by Latin music stars Willy Chirino, Chante Moore, and Albita.

)[22] The group released Built To Last on August 28, 2012, featuring Zakk Wylde, a full orchestra, and elements of jazz, rock, pop and country.