Jazz masters Bob James, Lee Ritenour, Nathan East and Harvey Mason are the supergroup Fourplay, performing live at the Capital Studio in Los Angeles. Joined by special guests Chaka Khan, Phillip Bailey and Phil Perry, this... more » all-star band mixes jazz and pop with R & B and some strong improvisations for a unique sound that has made this quartet one of the most popular jazz groups in the world. Includes both volumes on one DVD. Set list: Chant, Monterey, 101 Eastbound, Midnight Stroll, After the Dance, Bali Run, Wish You Were Here, Moonjogger, A Summer Child, Amoroso, Between the Sheets, Flying East.« less
Bay Area Conservative | CA United States | 10/02/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you love smooth jazz, with an emphasis on smooth, then you must be aware of the band called FOURPLAY. This live recording is proof-positive of the genius of each member of this extraordinary band. Harvey Mason makes playing the drums look effortless and reminds everyone of us when we first discovered how much fun it seemed being a drummer must be. Bob James is the reference standard for today's would-be jazz pianist, and this DVD shows off his talent very well. Nathan East and Lee Ritenour are dazzling in their performances as are the guests, Phillip Bailey, Phil Perry, and none other than CHAKA KAHN! This DVD is a "Must-Have" for anyone who enjoys seeing and hearing great, smooth, contemporary jazz."
Terrific musicianship....wonderful footage!
chakasworld | 12/28/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Lee Ritenour is just amazing as is Bob James (Key) Nathan East (b) and Harvey Mason (D). This is one supergroup that really gels live..and is a generous DVD as well(over 100 min.)...but GEEZ when are the idiots that design the covers for these things going to get it right? Nathan East and Lee Ritenour are NOT lefthanded players like they are pictured on the cover...this kind of sloppy artwork always detracts from products...can someone with a brain check these things before they go to press?"
Smooth & Relaxing Jazz!
chakasworld | Atlanta, GA United States | 06/30/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a great DVD for obvious reasons.You get a talented group like Fourplay to perform many of their hits in front of a small crowd, and the sound is outstanding.The visuals are perfect, and you get to see each member up close! The guest stars are a nice bonus too! Philip Bailey (of Earth Wind & Fire), Phil Perry (needs to learn some restraint! ), and the 'fabulous' Chaka Khan, who shows why she is popular among Jazz musicians. If you love contemporary jazz, invest in this DVD!"
The Best
Eric Hirschfeld | Conway, NH United States | 11/14/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I agree with Daniel A. Hess. I am a long time Lee Ritenour fan, and have everything he has released on vinyl, CD, VHS and DVD. The VHS/DVD's vary in quality and performance. Some have good video and fair audio. Some have good audio and fair video. The perfomance,camera work and audio are excellent here, and they look like they're really having fun performing together. Even though I am also a Larry Carlton fan, I wish Lee had stayed with Fourplay.
The only drawback is this should have a Dolby 5.1 or DTS soundtrack."
Must have
Felix Tossan | Mississagua, ON Canada | 02/09/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Simply said, this DVD is a must-have for those who love smooth jazz, the music of Fourplay, especially Lee Ritenour. Lee pretty much 'steal' the show. The synergy that made Fourplay special in the early 90's is clearly demonstrated, and it's a great pity that Lee is no longer with them. Nothing against Larry Carlton who took over after Lee left, but there no longer the powerful synergy and creativity in Fourplay later releases. The audio volume is a bit low, but quality is great. I especially enjoy the beautiful editing, very watchable, unlike the fast cartoon-like editing common in pop/rock that degrade the music and spin the head."