Fourplay Journey on K2 HD Mastering CD
24-Bit/100kHz Mastering
Compatible With All CD Players
For two decades, the contemporary jazz quartet known as Fourplay has enjoyed consistent artistic and commercial success by grafting elements of R&B, pop and a variety of other sounds to their unwavering jazz foundations. In the course of a dozen recordings – six of which have climbed to the top of Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Album charts – the supergroup has continued to explore the limitless dimensions and permutations of jazz while at the same time appealing to a broad mainstream audience.
The Fourplay story begins in 1990, with keyboardist Bob James, who had already established himself as a formidable figure in keyboard jazz – not just as an instrumentalist but as a composer and arranger as well – with solo recordings dating as far back as the mid 1960s. In 1990, James reunited with his old friend, session drummer, producer, composer and recording artist Harvey Mason (Herbie Hancock, Barbra Streisand, Notorious B.I.G.), during the recording of James’ Grand Piano Canyon album.
Also involved in the project were guitarist Lee Ritenour (Sergio Mendes) and bassist/vocalist Nathan East (Barry White, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins). The original lineup of James/Ritenour/East/Mason stayed together for three successive albums with Larry Carlton (The Crusaders, Joni Mitchell, Quincy Jones) joining the fold in place of a departed Ritenour for the release of 4 in 1998.
Following the 1999 release of Snowbound, a mix of traditional and contemporary holiday songs, Fourplay shook things up a bit with Yes Please!, an album that challenged the standard definitions of contemporary jazz by incorporating elements of blues, funk and even Celtic music. The sense of experimentation continued with the 2002 release of Heartfelt. The material in this set emerged from a series of improvisational performances that were assembled into full compositions.
The band's eighth full-length, Journey, originally issued in 2004, is a laid-back affair, but complex at the same time. Consistent with Fourplay’s eclectic philosophy, Journey incorporates a range of stylistic elements – as evidenced by such high points as the delicate cover of the 1993 Sting hit “Fields of Gold” and the Mason bossa nova flavored “Rozil.”
Musicians:
- Bob James (keyboards)
- Harvey Mason (drums)
- Larry Carlton (guitars)
- Nathan East (bass)
Features:
- K2 HDCD 100kHz / 24-bit Mastering
- Includes clear protective outer sleeve
- Compatible with all CD players
- Made in Japan
Fourplay Journey Track Listing:
1. Fields Of Gold
2. Play Around It
3. From Day One
4. Journey
5. Rozil
6. Cool Train
7. Avalabop
8. The Firehouse Chill
9. Departure
10. 147 4th St.