Search - Lee Ritenour :: Gentle Thoughts

Another time & space

G. Lee | San Juan Capistrano, CA | 05/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Back when "fusion" was still interesting and "fuzak" (aka "smooth jazz") was still a gleam in the eye of Clear Channel, this band assembled every Monday night at The Baked Potato in North Hollywood to kick it. This "direct to (analog) disc" recording is finally reissued on CD and it is the single best Lee Ritenour jam band disc by far. I can't believe no one else has reviewed it, but perhaps they're not old enough! The original record had 4 tunes on each album side, which had to be played live, in studio, with no overdubs, right after the other, with the musicians switching to the next tune with no pauses. And the playing is phenomenal, it brings back the intense energy, rhythm and joy of musicmaking that put Lee Ritenour, saxman Ernie Watts and keyboard players Patrice Rushen and Dave Grusin on the map. You will play this CD over and over again. Enjoy the cover of Earth, Wind & Fire's "Getaway" or Lee's silky solo over "Feel Like Makin' Love" and Ernie's solos on every tune are superb. But it's the overall sound of the ensemble playing tightly together, with rock solid support from drummer Harvey Mason and bassist Abraham Laboriel that keep the whole record a foot-tapping joy. What are you waiting for?"