Jazz, with a twist of sultry sexy cool

All sexual innuendos aside, you can never have enough Fourplay. What is an innuendo? An Italian suppository? Sorry, I couldn't resist - back to the program...

Fourplay is a wonderful blend of very talented musicians. They are Lee Ritenour on guitar, Harvey Mason on drums, Nathan East on bass and Bob James on keyboards.

Some of you might remember Bob James' endearing theme to the hit TV show, "Taxi" within his illustrious career. I remember going to the Baked Potato in Studio City, California to see a, then unknown, Lee Ritenour. I remember what a great sound he had and still does. You can tell he was influenced by Wes Montgomery in style. I always knew he'd become more than just a studio musician. I can't comment much on Nathan East (other than the man can play that bass!) but I remember Harvey Mason from seeing George Benson in concert.

Fourplay's sound is a blend of smooth Jazz with sultry sex appeal. Perfect for romantic times, rainy nights, driving up the coast, housework, dinner parties or just to chill to. Basically, anytime is the right time for Fourplay. Well, unless there are teenagers or metal heads around.

One thing you'll notice, the song lengths are not skimped on. One thing I can't stand is getting into a great song only to be abruptly ended.

Playlist:

"Chant" (6:25) A medium tempo ditty driven by a smooth bass riff, a pinch of percussion and sprinkled with chanting voices (lead by Nathan East's voice), piano passages and guitar. It makes me feel like dancing with my honey in the rain - or just smoochin will do too. Some of the voice tracks do tend to get a bit much in spots though. (4 out of 5 stars)

"Monterey" (6:12) A light-hearted medley of rhythmic guitar against a backdrop of subtle bass and melodic keys. The drums are perfect - not too much and not too distant. Parts of the song dip into traditional quartet-type passages and then back into contemporary sounds. A nice mixture sure to please any Jazz fan. (5 out of 5 stars)

"Between the Sheets" (6:46) The title track is the CD's highlight. Here's a Mac-Daddy/Barry White/light my fire Isley Brother song. Unlike most of Fourplay's tunes, this one has vocals throughout the track. "Makin' Love between the sheets. I feel your love surrounding me." The vocals are from Chaka Khan and Nathan East backed by Phil Perry, Chante Moore and Phillip Bailey. Very sexy! (5 out of 5 stars)

"Lil' Darlin" (5:16) Turning it down a notch, here's a mellow tune driven by a sultry rainy day quartet sound. Like watching the raindrops on a window for too long, this tune is a bit stale at times. (3 out of 5 stars)

"Flying East" (6:08) As the title implies, Nathan East wrote and drives this tune with his impeccable bass pickin' flavor. Mason's drums are a smooth as they are rhythmic. A very rich song...full of life. Great tune for driving with the top down. At one point, there seems to be a duel between the ivories and the bass...it's groovin'! (4.5 out of 5 stars)

"Once in the A.M." (6:31) Only once? I prefer, ummmm... nevermind. A subtle lullaby passage leads us into Ritenour's masterful guitar sound sprinkled with light percussion and groovy bass. Soon, the piano kicks in and we have a sumptuous feast for the ears. (4.5 out of 5 stars)

"Gulliver" (6:49) I get the feeling that this tune was written for or about a dog. It's very playful and whimsical in nature. Piano and guitar run across the dog park pulling on the drums and fighting the bass for the tennis ball. A fun tune. (4 out of 5 stars)

"Amoroso" (5:48) Another highlight of the CD. East's bass takes center stage once again and duets primarily with Rit's guitar. The synth and drum tracks frame this song like a nice piece of art should be. (5 out of 5 stars)

"A Summer Child" (5:34) A slow tempo tune that is driven by a somber piano and an even more delicious guitar. Soft drums and bass elevate this tune into sultry bliss. Grab your honey and slow dance in the middle of the living room or ANY room - heck, outside on the deck even!! A full moon would make it even more special. (5 out of 5 stars)

"Anthem" (5:40) A quartet feel with a hint of Tango and a splash of smooth guitar and bass sprinkled with piano riffs. Very melodic. (3.5 out of 5 stars)

"A Song for Somalia" (6:28) A very somber, reflective tune. A lone piano leads us into a thought provoking song. It gives me the feeling of either the aftermath of a tragedy or the afterglow of love-making. Ritenour's guitar saves it from being a 2.5 star song. (3.5 out of 5 stars).

A 5 star CD if it wasn't for a few stale spots.

Produced in 1993 for Warner Bros. Records catalog #9 45340-2