Fourplay - Yes, Please

When Larry Carlton replaced Lee Ritenour in Fourplay's guitar chair in 1998, the big question was, what difference would he make. Would his more aggressive leanings toward blues and rock add the kind of punch that would keep Fourplay progressing beyond their easygoing roots? Their first two recordings with Carlton, 4 and Snowbound, offered hints of this direction, but Yes, Please! completes the transition, showing off a much more rambunctious ensemble for the new millennium. Typical tunes begin with Carlton going the subtle route (more in line with what Ritenour did) before exploding into feisty improvisations. "Free Range" starts as an elegant duet with his high tones blending seamlessly into Bob James's shimmering, laid-back keys over a gently simmering Nathan East-Harvey Mason groove. Then Carlton rises above the fray for a crackling, echoing solo that kicks the rhythm of the others up a notch. "Blues Force" has a hypnotic and seductive bluesy groove (led by James's keys) that acts as a bed for L.C. to play it crisp, then hard toward the end. James acts as softhearted harmonic foil for Carlton before taking a lively solo. What makes Carlton the perfect Fourplayer is his sweet, romantic, and acoustic side, which allows him to lead "Go with Your Heart" into terrain reminiscent of the vintage Fourplay sound. But even here, he waxes snappy on occasion, driving his bandmates up a notch. --Jonathan Widran Amazon.com

Much too smooth...

Unarguably these are classy musicians. Open the sleeve notes for this album the credits are:
Bob James - Piano
Nathan East - Bass and Vocals
Larry Carlton - Guitar
Harvey Mason - Drums

I considered giving this 3 stars. Yes there is some lovely guitar playing from Larry Carlton and occasionally Bob James plays some real Piano but this is mostly like Jazz FM when it stopped playing Jazz and became Smooth FM (in the UK). If you liked that you'll love this.

I found it to be over-produced and soulless - you have been warned. November 11, 2007

Yes, please? Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!

I've been listening to fourplay since the very beginning so I knew I'd like it. I was really surprised at how much I like it. Blues Force is so smooth I can listen to it again and again (quite frequently, I do just that.) The rest of the CD does not disappoint. Usually, I buy a CD and end up only listening to a couple of the tracks. Not so with this one. September 15, 2007

Supergroup & supersound

If you like smooth jazz it probably doesn't get any better than this group. A supergroup, if you will, it features four top musicians (you should know who they are), each in their own right leaders and innovators. The funk-jazz guitar of Larry Carlton might seem at odds with smooth jazz but nothing could be further from the truth; he did a fine job of relpacing Ritenour. The superb and catchy "Free Range" epitomizes what this disc is all about. Take a listen , you can't resist the beat and groove. Part of what makes their albums so great(they are all excellent)is the quality of sound as a result of their choice of instruments, audio gear and studio production. Every note is crystal clear. Listen to this disc on your best sound system and you will see what I mean. The sound is impeccable. I won't bother with individuals songs, ok I lied, you have to hear "Max-O-Man" to help illustrate my point about how good the sound is. The piano notes sound as if the white ivories are in your home as the various instruments blend harmoniously in a rapture of jazz. All of the songs are great; it is only degrees of greatness that seperates them. This is a supergroup, super disc that belongs in any lover of jazz(smooth or not)collection. Even though it is older it is still fresh; smooth , cool and hot, all on one disc. Yes, please indeed! April 18, 2007

Fourplay...YES PLEASE!!

By far their best! I really enjor listening to this one. If you have a really good sound system, it really shines. December 10, 2006

Good Music

The entire CD has a great sound as only 4play can put together. These are truely creative musicians August 16, 2005

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