Fourplay - X MP3 Download

X album for sale For his tenth full-length album, Playin' Favourites, British smooth jazz giant Peter White decided to, as the title suggests, turn to some of his favorite tracks from the '60s, '70s, and '80s, giving each of them his own interpretation (he did a similar thing in 1994's Reflections). Working with longtime producer Paul Brown, as well as musicians Boney James, Rick Braun, and Dave Camp, among others, White successfully turns the 11 songs on Playin' Favourites into instant crossover jazz hits. Mainly this means adding horns and keyboards to the background while the guitarist lithely moves around from the melody into lush improvisationally based solos, rendering them much slicker and smoother than they were before (although granted, he didn't have to do much to turn Bacharach's James Bond classic "The Look of Love" into something so adult contemporary). For many of the songs White chooses, the arrangements, albeit a bit sugary, transfer well, and create very soothing, clean pieces of music that could be used in any setting where being inoffensively unmemorable is a priority. But for his version of "Hit the Road Jack," though he uses just his guitar, an upright bass, some finger-snapping, and a male vocal quartet in an attempt to sound bluesy, he still loses a lot of the urgency and instinct that made Ray Charles' rendition so affecting and great. By moving from the soul and emotion of the late pianist and singer towards something more universally "palatable," White ends up not properly respecting the contributions and innovations Ray Charles brought to music, which is unfortunate, because honoring his idols was most assuredly his purpose in making this album. The record's not a failure by any stretch: there's still plenty of smooth jazz to carry the audience through the quiet hours of the day, but because Playin' Favourites is a cover album, and it doesn't do all of the songs included on it quite enough justice, it ends up falling a little short. ~ Marisa Brown Recording information: Funky Joint, Sherman Oaks, CA; The Cookie Jar, Van Nuys, CA. Photographer: Lori Stoll. Arrangers: Peter White ; Paul Rayner-Brown; Jeff Carruthers; Chuck Cymone. Personnel: Peter White (guitar, acoustic guitar, accordion, keyboards, background vocals); Peter White ; Kiki Ebsen (vocals); Paul Rayner-Brown (guitar, wah-wah guitar, drums, background vocals); Dan Higgins (flute, saxophone); The Bill Harris Quintet, Sam Riney (saxophone); Don Harris (trumpet, flugelhorn); Jerry Hey (flugelhorn); Ozzie Melendez, William Frank "Bill" Reichenbach Jr. (trombone); Bob James (Fender Rhodes piano); Jeff Carruthers, Chuck Cymone (keyboards, drums); Herman Jackson (keyboards); Ramon Yslas (percussion); Roberto Vally (background vocals); Jeffrey Osborne, Jonathan Butler (vocals); Richard Elliot, Boney James (saxophone); Rick Braun (trumpet). Audio Mixer: Paul Rayner-Brown.

X songs Featuring a bevy of world music guests, guitarist Lee Ritenour's Smoke 'N' Mirrors is a stylish, joyous, and laid-back multicultural affair. Among the guests are Brazilian vocalist and keyboardist Daniel Jobim, South African vocalist Zamajobe and guitarist Erik Pilani Paliani, West African bassist Richard Bona, as well as such well-known contemporary jazz icons as pianist Dave Grusin, bassist John Patitucci, percussionist Sheila E., and others. Judiciously, Ritenour has made room for a wide musical palette including funky jams, melodic soul vocal tracks, inspired rhythmic passages, and of course straight-ahead jazz improvisation. While this is an impeccably crafted effort in the tradition of past Ritenour albums, it never comes off as anything less than organically heartfelt. ~ Matt Collar Liner Note Author: Lee Ritenour . Recording information: Starlight Studios, Los Angeles, CA (01/2006-05/2006); Sunset Sound, Los Angeles, CA (01/2006-05/2006). Photographers: Bill Mims ; Heidi Meyer; Gary Lee ; Randee St. Nicholas. Arrangers: Lee Ritenour ; Patrice Rushen; Dave Grusin; Daniel Jobim. Personnel: Lee Ritenour (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, baritone guitar, keyboards, bass synthesizer, programming); Lee Ritenour (synthesizer); Daniel Jobim (vocals, keyboards, background vocals); Richard Bona (vocals, electric bass, bass guitar, shaker); Joyce (vocals); Danilo Caymmi (flute); Brian Bromberg (acoustic bass, upright bass); John Patitucci (acoustic bass); Abraham Laboriel, Sr., Melvin Davis (electric bass); Sheila E. (drums, percussion, sound effects); Oscar Seaton (drums); Satnam Ramgotra (tabla); Alberto Lopez, Tlale Makhene, Paulinho Da Costa, Shiela E (percussion); Patrice Rushen (piano, Fender Rhodes piano, organ, background vocals); Dave Grusin (piano); Alex Acuña (drums, congas, bongos, percussion); Vinnie Colaiuta (drums). Audio Mixers: Lee Ritenour ; Don Murray .

X CD music Fourplay has long been a supergroup of fusion and smooth jazz, consisting of keyboardist Bob James, guitarist Larry Carlton, bassist Nathan East, and drummer Harvey Mason, each a leader in his own right. For their debut on the Heads Up label, Fourplay works some world music influences into their mix. Also, emerging vocal star Esperanza Spalding makes an appearance. But fear not, Fourplay fans, there are still plenty of the hallmarks of their sound--colorful melodies, funky-easy grooves, and classy keyboard and guitar solos. Audio Mixer: Ken Freeman. Recording information: Castle Oaks Studios, Calabasas, CA; Sear Sound Recording Studio, New York, NY; Studio 101, Tarzana, CA. Photographer: Maura Lanahan. Arrangers: Fourplay; Marcel East. Fourplay: Nathan East (vocals, bass guitar); Larry Carlton (guitars); Bob James (keyboards); Harvey Mason, Sr. (drums). Personnel: Marcel East (guitar, keyboards, percussion, programming); Bob James & Creations (keyboards).

X buy CD music The four men who make up the smooth-jazz supergroup Fourplay are the creme de la creme of the studio scene. They've probably graced the albums of more artists than there are notes on this recording. So you can be sure that when they come together to make a collective musical statement like HEARTFELT, you're in for some of the most immaculate production and technically flawless musicianship this side of Steely Dan, without all the smart-ass misanthropy to get in the way. From Larry Carlton's biting guitar solo on the sinuous opener "Galaxia" to Bob James's poignant, melodic piano work on the title tune, there's glitch-free instrumental expression aplenty on HEARTFELT. And when the band lays into a slow-burning funky groove such as the one that powers "Ju-Ju," the contributions of drummer Harvey Mason and bassman Nathan East are equally apparent. Most impressive, though, is the way all the members of this quartet work together as a unit in the service of realizing a vision larger than any of the individual players. Recorded at Royaltone Studios, North Hollywood, California and at O'Henry Studios, Burbank, California. Personnel: Nathan East (vocals); Larry Carlton (guitar); Bob James (keyboards); Harvey Mason, Sr. (drums); Ken Freeman (programming). Audio Mixers: Don Murray ; Jon Gass. Recording information: O'Henry Studios, Burbank, CA; Royaltone Studios, N. Hollywood, CA. Photographers: Kwaku Alston; Nathan East. Fourplay: Bob James (keyboards); Larry Carlton (guitar); Nathan East (bass); Harvey Mason (drums). Producers: Fourplay, Harvey Mason Jr.

X songs It would be incorrect to say that not much has changed Fourplay's sound since they began recording together in 1991. That said, while these musicians -- who were all successful artists individually -- have continued to evolve, as a group they've stayed remarkably focused on what they do best: play elegant, seamless, contemporary jazz with a light sexy groove. Keyboardist Bob James, drummer/percussionist Harvey Mason, and bassist Nathan East have remained constants but guitarists have come and gone: Chuck Loeb replaces Larry Carlton (who originally replaced founding member Lee Ritenour) for Let's Touch the Sky, Fourplay's 11th recording. James' title track composition kicks things off with a breezy Brazilian groove before strings paint an airy, almost cinematic backdrop. Loeb's "3rd Degree" ups the funk quotient with some hard-grooving guitar, ever-present rolling breaks by Mason, and some knotty synth work. His "Above and Beyond" provides the kind of guitar-led group interactive euphoria usually associated with Pat Metheny. Mason's "Pineapple Getaway" has irresistible synth and Rhodes work by James, but it's Loeb's stellar guitar work that makes this Caribbean-flavored groover one of the set's finest moments. "Gentle Giant," written by James in memory of Hank Jones, features a stellar upright bass solo from East. There are three vocal tracks on the set as well. East takes one on his "I'll Still Be Lovin' You," and Anita Baker lays down a fine one on her reading of "You're My Thrill." The most remarkable one is the deeply soulful, warmly expressive take of Cecil and Linda Womack's "Love TKO" by Ruben Studdard, with some excellent atmospherics provided by James and Mason. Fourplay's formulaic approach is firmly intact on Let's Touch the Sky and the band is firing on all cylinder, making this a fine entry in 2010's contemporary jazz oeuvre. ~ Thom Jurek Photographer: Sandrine Lee. Personnel: Nathan East (vocals); Chuck Loeb (guitar); Bob James (keyboards); Harvey Mason, Sr. (drums, percussion). Recording information: Castle Oaks Studio, Calabasas, CA; Mason Soudn, North Hollywood, CA.

X album for sale Fourplay is the ultimate smooth-jazz outfit. Made up of four of the finest crossover artists, this group presents a cohesive mix of modern jazz and instrumental pop. Except for the opening track, "Fields of Gold," written by Sting, JOURNEY is made up of all original material; each player contributes tunes, and bassist Nathan East sings on about half the album. Tracks such as "From Day One," "Departure," and "Avalabop" sound similar to Pat Metheny's early ECM releases. However, these pieces are decidedly sweeter than Metheny's repertoire. "147 4th Street" features some bold playing from Larry Carlton (known for his work with Steely Dan). The acclaimed guitarist also plays a great bluesy solo on his own composition "Cool Train." However, this album is generally made up of carefully restrained improvisations. The smartly composed, mellow compositions are left to speak for themselves on this disc of warm and breezy music. DJ: Cody Cassiero. Audio Mixers: Don Murray ; Antonio "Moogie" Canazio. Recording information: Firehouse Recording; Pyramid Studio. Photographer: Jun Sato. Fourplay: Nathan East (bass guitar); Harvey Mason, Sr. , Larry Carlton, Bob James. Personnel: Billiken Johnson (vocals, shaker); Nathan East (vocals, background vocals); Larry Carlton (guitar); ...