Fourplay - Fourplay

 Introduction of a brilliant mix
Cool jazz followers were already well acquainted with Bob James, Nathan East, Harvery Mason and Lee Ritenour when Fourplay debuted in 1991. This, however, was the first incarnation of a four man band with four times exponential talent.

This release was the go-to for smooth jazzers by Christmas season '91. A dear friend and music expert recommended I take a listen, and I was grateful for the introduction. "Bali Run", the opener, is, admittedly, for those who are fans of a cool jazz sound, but admireres will swoon over the ease of instruments flowing into one another, creating a pictorial of a beach, in the evening.

"101" Eastbound" has become a staple for smooth jazz stations, and with good reason. The urbane, street-savy sound transports to a busy intersection, the traffic is whizzing by, but you are cool... in no hurry, but taking it all in. "Foreplay" has a beautiful melody, intimating what some of this music might really be good for. "Max-O-Man" and "After the Dance", the next two tracks, are the only songs that could have been omitted.

The remainder of the CD paints an autumn feel..... very well done. This CD is much recommended as a primer for delving into the work of Fourplay. July 10, 2007

 You need to hear these guys live on DVD also
There's more talent in these four guys hands that the top 100 Pop bands put together.
These are true artists. Being an early release in the DVD-A realm the production could have been a little better but the talent, from a musican's point of view, quickly makes the point moot.
Anyone that would like to see genius at work should buy one of their DVD's and sit back and watch. in fact any of the GRP guys will show the same artistic value at work.
To the reviewer that thought of it as ultra smooth jazz...that's ok. Choice of style should be as free as any other choice. I would still reccomend to check them out in a video performance. Might enlighten you somewhat.. Just a suggestion.
Now since Amazon has given up on DVD-A and you cant buy it here doesnt mean it cant be found for around $15 elsewhere which brings up the point of the idiot trying to sell it used for $79.99.
Are you nuts. Just what do you think you have?
Google/froogle and get it new for 15 bucks and boycott these rip-off artists trying io sell it for 5 times it's value.
$79.99...one would have to be nuts to pay that. Perfect example of what gives used CD sellers bad names.
Anyway, enjoy the music and catch a GRP live performance. Cant go wrong
Lee Ritenour has a newish DVD in 5.1 out that shows what a real band with talent should sound like.
$79.99...I cant get over it ...it's so far out there funny.
Enjoy. November 29, 2006

 Fourplay/Fivestars
Anything made by this group deserves to be heard.
All the musicians alone are great stars of the music industry. Everyone has his own style wich combined makes Fourplay a Master's Group. I always buy CDs from them even without listening first. Not one has made me change my mind about it. June 2, 2006

 good for jazz fans
Well created-smooth and mellow for quiet evenings; a must buy for jazz fans. March 18, 2006

 Boring even for smooth jazz
I'm going to go against the grain and say this disc is better suited for a hi-rez on-hold playlist for a bank. I am not a huge smooth jazz fan, but after reading the reviews about this DVD-A disc I figured I'd give it a shot. Yes, from a fidelity standpoint this is top notch. But I couldn't get past a minute of any of the songs. Long story short, there are tons of great DVD-A and SACD discs out there. If ultra-smooth jazz is not your thing, don't bother with this one. March 15, 2006

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