Fourplay — An Evening of Fourplay, 1995

Live concert by smooth-jazz supergroup Fourplay, taken from the DVD “An Evening of Fourplay” (Vol. 1 & 2). The group gathers four masters of their instruments: Bob James on keyboards, Lee Ritenour on guitar, Nathan East on bass and Harvey Mason on drums — four of the most in-demand studio musicians of their era. Across this twelve-song set they are joined by guests Chaka Khan, Philip Bailey and Phil Perry, notably on the classic “Between the Sheets”. Hushed groove, refined harmonies and remarkably precise interplay: this filmed live concert illustrates the art of instrumental dialogue and the sense of rhythmic placement that built the band’s reputation. Between “Chant”, “Bali Run”, “101 Eastbound” and “After the Dance”, the repertoire delivers the best of accessible contemporary jazz of the 1990s. A valuable document for fans of smooth jazz and relaxed virtuosity, where technique always serves melody and elegance. It remains a go-to reference for aspiring instrumentalists studying groove, dynamics and the art of the ensemble.