13th Archive

Fourplay – Silver – Heads Up

by Audiophile Audition | Apr 20, 2016 | Jazz CD Reviews

Fourplay – Silver – Heads Up Int. HUI 36688-02, 59:01 ****: Veteran jazz quartet celebrates a quarter century with fresh music. (Bob James – piano, Rhodes, synthesizers; Nathan East – bass, vocals; Chick Loeb – acoustic, electric guitars, synthesizers; Harvey Mason – drums, percussion, vibes, synthesizers; Larry Carlton – guitar; Lee Ritenour – guitar; Kirk Whalum – tenor saxophone; Chris Wells – background vocals; John Beasley – keyboards; Mitch Forman – organ; Tom Keane – synthesizer) Fourplay is celebrating their 25th year as a band with their latest release, Silver. Amazingly, the band has kept much of its core members, Bob James, Nathan East and Harvey Mason. The only non-original band mate is guitarist Chuck Loeb. But this special celebration includes former guitarists Larry Carlton and Lee Ritenour. And the 13th Fourplay album delivers the melodic grooves that define the band. The opening track, “Quicksilver” (and nearly all of the titles reflect the “silver” theme) is set up by James’ piano hooks, Loeb’s clean-cut guitar lines and a joyful solo by James. East and Mason amalgamate the tempo with their steady rhythm play. Additional synthesizers and “Brazilian-like’ vocalese create a resonant touch. Breaking away from the “metal” theme is a […]