Anthology

Fourplay, a contemporary Jazz quartet, combines elements of R&B, pop and jazz to create a unique, experimental sound. With millions of fans, twelve albums and one Grammy nomination, Fourplay is not to be missed.

In 1990, keyboardist Bob James recorded an album, “Grand Piano Canyon” with old friend and drummer, Harvey Mason, who has worked with Herbie Hancock, Barbara Streisand and Notorious BIG. James also recruited guitarist Lee Ritenour and bassist/vocalist Nathan East who has worked with Barry White, Eric Clapton and Phil Collins. The quartet had such a good time recording, they decided to form a band.

Fourplay was born and their self-titled debut – a mix of R&B, jazz and pop – was released in 1991. 1993’s “Between the Sheets” received a Grammy nomination, went gold and reached number one on the Billboard charts.

The original lineup recorded several albums including “Elixir” before Ritenour left the band in 1995. Larry Carlton, who has worked with The Crusaders, Joni Mitchell, and Quincy Jones, took Ritenour’s place on guitar. In 1999, Fourplay released “Snowbound”, a holiday album, followed by “Yes Please!”, an experimental album incorporating elements of blues, funk and even Celtic music.

Their 2008 release, Energy, spent three weeks on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz chart and the band joined Heads Up International. Carlton left the group in 2010 to pursue his solo career and Chuck Loeb, a talented virtuoso guitarist joined.

Loeb made his debut with the quartet on their latest album “Let’s Touch the Sky”, which features guest vocals from Anita Baker and Ruben Studdard. Fourplay continues to tour and push the limits of contemporary jazz.