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Statistiques
Biographie
Comprised of keyboardist Bob James, guitarist Lee Ritenour, bassist Nathan East, and drummer Harvey Mason, Fourplay was formed after members contributed to James’ “Grand Piano Canyon” album in 1991. Shortly after forming the group issued their debut self-titled album, which sold over a million copies and held the top spot of the Billboard contemporary jazz chart for 33 weeks. The record proved to be the first of many releases on Warner Bros., succeeded by “Between the Sheets” in 1993 and “Elixir” in 1995. Both albums went on to find the top of the Billboard jazz chart, with “Between the Sheets” also receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Album.
In 1997, Fourplay issued the compilation “The Best of Fourplay”, which included the popular cover singles “Higher Ground” (Stevie Wonder), “After the Dance” (Marvin Gaye), and “Why Can’t It Wait ’Til Morning” (Phil Collins). Marked by the arrival of guitarist Larry Carlton, the record was followed by the huge popular album “4” in 1998, featuring the Marvin Gaye single “Sexual Healing”. The following year Fourplay issued the holiday-themed album “Snowbound”, which became a showcase for the group’s seasoned and highly-refined musical output, and paved the way for Fourplay’s final album with Warner Bros., “Yes, Please!” in 2000.
After signing with RCA’s Bluebird, Fourplay released three albums with the label, “Heartfelt” (2002), “Journey” (2004), and “X” (2006), cementing the group’s revered reputation as figureheads of contemporary jazz. Following three albums with Bluebird, the band moved to Heads Up Records, who issued Fourplay’s 11th studio album “Energy” in 2008. Marked by its fusion tendencies which incorporate the sounds R&B, pop, and African rhythms, the album’s lead single, “Fotune Teller”, later earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Instrumental Performance in 2009. New guitarist Chuck Loeb joined the group following the release and made his debut on the group’s twelfth studio album “Let’s Touch the Sky” in 2010. Proving another popular release for Fourplay, the record was followed by “Esprit de Four” in 2012.
Avis
Grammy nominated contemporary jazz quartet Fourplay have dominated the genre over the last twenty years and producing eleven albums and to this day continue providing audio delights. The sugergroup consisting of: keyboardist Bob James, bassist Nathan East, drummer Harvey Mason and Chuck Loeb on guitar, have all had previous success in other projects performing alongside legendary artists but the journey for Fourplay began in 1990. Their commercial success comes from their ability to fuse contemporary jazz with elements of pop and R&B while still achieving universal appeal. Fourplay’s debut self-titled album went into Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz charts at number one where it remained for 33 weeks. Playing to concert halls around the world, Fourplay have grown more in stature through their notably incredible live performances. All talented in their own right, together as Fourplay they create something magical and intoxicating. Dressed to the nines in the black suits and red ties, the band delve into their plentiful back catalogue with tracks like ‘I’ll Still Be Loving You’, ‘Let’s Touch The Sky’ and ‘Chant’ in which East scats through its R&B sensibilities, clearly vibing off the music. The audience are highly attentive as they sit mesmerised by the naturally smooth chemistry which Fourplay possess, delivering a perfectly orchestrated set list to melt the softest of hearts.
EvieCriedWolf
After queuing for an hour, we were finally let in to the hall, to scramble for the best seats. The first few rows were reserved, odd that when the gig was supposed to be all unreserved, but I suppose there is unreserved for the public and reserved unreserved for our betters.
Fourplay came on just after 8:30, 1.5 hours after we were let in. They were absolutely mind bendingly superb, this incarnation had on short notice replaced very ill Chuck Loeb (get well soon) with saxophonist Kirk Whalum and it gave the smooth jazzers a new vibrant sexy vibe These guys love being on stage and love playing together, you can feel the warmth of their friendships spill out from the stage. For just thirty quid we witnessed four exceptionally gifted musicians playing their hearts out. The Standout tune was Precious metal, ironically a chuck loeb composition
This was a great concert, only marred on a personal level by some idiot in front who decided to watch the concert through the lenses of his phone camera, waving it about like some demented David Lean.
Go again to see Fourplay? Like a shot but if it's at the Union Chapel, can I ask that they move the start time to 8 at the latest, those pews are hard on the bottom and the audience like fourplay aren't getting any younger.
ukbazza
Fantastic concert kirk whalam was a great addition to the band I enjoyed the night just need to know when the band back in the UK for more dates if possible can you send me an update to date of albums listing for 4 play thank yours sauce man.
sauceman62
It was fantastic. Fourplay is just awesome. More the group and the players are aging, outstanding it's getting. I will go see them again when they towards my side of the town.
pdedjinou
me and wife seen them 4 times never get tired of their music their all good and would see them again and again. They are my no.1 Jazz group ever.
claro
