Mini Concert Review of Fourplay at Dimitrious’ Jazz Alley in Seattle, WA | Nov. 5th, 2010 | TheUrbanMusicScene.com

Mini Concert Review of Fourplay at Dimitrious’ Jazz Alley in Seattle, WA

Closing
in on twenty years of contemporary jazz history, Fourplay returned to
Dimitrious’ Jazz Alley stage in Seattle, WA last weekend, November 5-7,
2010, celebrating their latest project, Let’s Touch the Sky.
The way they carry themselves with their intricate improvisations and
spirited musicianship, Fourplay truly takes their long tenure as a
highly recognized recording and touring group seriously. Since the group
was birthed out of a Bob James solo recording session in 1990, Harvey
Mason, Nathan East, Lee Ritenour and James have brought a wealth of
jazz, funk, soul and pop experience to the masses as individual
contributors. They are obviously capable soloists, but their bigger
strength is their respect of team work, adding subtle colors throughout
each piece.

Along with Fourplay’s newest member
Chuck Loeb, the quartet opened with some blasts from the past including
“Chant,” blending old-school R&B and sweet vocal fills by East. But
most of the evening was dedicated to Fourplay’s eleventh disc, Let’s Touch the Sky,
which was just released last month. Though Loeb recently replaced
long-time guitarist Larry Carlton, his presence is a perfect fit for
Fourplay’s personality; easily adapting to whatever the mood dictates:
funk, traditional jazz, blues, and yes – he can rock out too, especially
on his composition, 3^rd Degree (in honor of Fourplay’s
guitar gurus: Ritenour, Carlton and now Loeb). Dubbed one of the finest
on drums and percussion ever, Mason was more than just a timekeeper.
While most drummers solo without accompaniment, James, Loeb and East
became the rhythm section during Mason’s swiftly moving solos. Being
extremely gifted as a music and film composer, Mason was well
represented with the slight Caribbean flavored, “Pineapple Getaway.”
East was an extremely gracious host, lent a touch of soul on his piece –
“I’ll Still Be Loving You,” and scatted with his electric stand-up bass
to the title track of “Let’s Touch The Sky.” And lest we not forget
James; who hinted at be-bop and more traditional textures during his
unaccompanied solo.

Besides kicking the jams,
Fourplay sneaked in a bit of theatrics on one tune as they played freeze
frame for at least fifteen seconds. Observing the audience reaction, I
think they were feeling the theatrics. Undoubtedly, they responded more
than favorably to Fourplay’s energetic flair and their pure love for
creating their eclectic jazz package. I personally can’t wait when they
reach their twenty year anniversary in 2011.

Peggy Oliver

The Urban Music Scene