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, 3rd 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
http://reviews.theurbanmusicscene.com/2010/11/08/mini-concert-review-of-fourplay-at-dimitrious-jazz-alley-in-seattle-wa—nov-5th-2010.aspx