A concert in Japan in May of 1992

This is the debut of Fourplay, a popular quartet comprised of keyboardist Bob James, guitarist Lee Ritenour, bassist Nathan East, and drummer Harvey Mason. The music sounds more or less like a Bob James small-group date with Ritenour as a major soloist. The style is between jazz, R&B, and pop with an emphasis on lightweight originals, soulful and moderately funky rhythms, and predictable radio-friendly music. Nothing unexpected occurs, but fans of James and Ritenour should enjoy both this CD and Fourplay in general.

Saxophonist Dave Koz has become one of the most successful and beloved instrumentalists of his time, and helped establish smooth jazz as a musical force to be reckoned with. His career catapulted with 1993's Lucky Man, one of Koz' slickest and most commercial releases (which is not a bad thing by any means) to date. The album has an undeniably crisp and clean feel, akin to the color schemes used in the artwork. The musical styles range from funky and peppy, as in the opening "Shakin' the Shack," "Silverlining," and the evergreen "You Make Me Smile," to tender and sweet, as in "Faces of the Heart," "Lucky Man," and "Tender Is the Night," which features hypnotic vocals courtesy of Phil Perry. Recorded May 18. 1991. Dave Koz on Sax, Phil Perry on Vocal. Band was Don Boyette - Bass, Mark Shulman - Drums, Carl Burnett - Guitar, Don Wyatt - Keyboards, Kevin Richard - Percussion, Joyce Imbesi - Keyboards, Leslie Smith, Anita Sherman & Delta Dickerson - Backup Vocalist

When pianist Dave Grusin decided to start his own record company in 1977, he gave birth to what soon became one of the most successful and well-regarded labels in contemporary jazz. GRP All-Stars Live from the Record Plant features Grusin and several of the label's best known artists -- including guitarist Lee Ritenour, horn player Larry Williams, and vocalist Diane Schuur -- performing a live set at L.A.'s world-famous Record Plant Recording Studio in 1985. Selections include "Early A.M. Attitude," "Love Dance," "Awakening," "Before It's Too Late," "Revenend Lee," and three others. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

The "Rit Special" DVD captures a live concert performance by Lee Ritenour and his band in California, 1984. The concert showcases a mix of jazz-rock and instrumental pieces, with Ritenour leading the ensemble through various moods and musical styles. The show includes both vocal and instrumental tracks, with vocalists Phil Perry and John Massaro sharing the spotlight on some songs.

Filmed in Los Angeles in 1990, the complete Live at the Cocoanut Grove will do nothing to alter indifference from jazz purists toward fusion guitarist Lee Ritenour. But hardcore Rit fans and other viewers without a jazz-pop ax to grind will find this concert a particularly stimulating, wonderfully textured musical event built around the star and a parade of international talent.