Fourplay

1. Bali Run

2. 101 Eastbound

3. Foreplay

4. Moonjogger

5. Max-O-Man

6. After the Dance - El DeBarge, Fourplay

7. Quadrille

8. Midnight Stroll

9. October Morning

10. Wish You Were Here

11. Rain Forest

Fourplay,Fourplay,Warner Bros / Wea,Crossover Jazz,Jazz,Jazz-Pop,Pop,Smooth Jazz

Average customer rating: For play , and play and play do they stop ? Most likely their best effort to date Get This In Your CD Player Easy on your ears.

X Fourplay Manufacturer: RCA Victor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Shine Smoke 'N' Mirrors Playin' Favorites 20th Anniversary Givin' It Up ASIN: B000GG4XCE Release Date: 2006-08-08

Tracks:

1. Turnabout
2. Cinnamon Sugar
3. Eastern Sky
4. Kid Zero
5. My Love's Leavin'
6. Screenplay
7. Twilight Touch
8. Be My Lover
9. Sunday Morning

Customer Reviews:

For play , and play and play.......2007-07-12

I have been a fan of Bob James for decades now. I hear his old records today as if they were just produced . The same will happen with this one. A gem in all aspects.

do they stop ?.......2007-05-20

These guys have a combined age of over 200 and still they continue to write such great tunes . Eastern sky will shock even the hard 4play fans

Most likely their best effort to date.......2007-03-27

With each subsequent CD, it seems like Fourplay gets better and better. 'Turnabout' brings back memories of the first few CDs they released when they had Lee Ritenour on guitar. Even Steve Winwood would have to admit that Michael McDonald gives new texture to 'My Love's Leavin'. This band has been making great music since 1991. If this is your first Fourplay purchase, it will make you want to buy each of the previous nine CDs; even the offering of Christmas music!

Get This In Your CD Player .......2007-03-27

Any person that knows smooth jazz will tell you that these four guys by themselves are major forces on their own. But when they combine their incredible talents for a project..well here is the result.. "X"
This is pure listening enjoyment. Not one bad song is on this one. Whether you are in your car or sitting at home with a glass of Scotch(my favorite!) this is one that will not disappoint. Larry Carlton shines on guitar as always and the keyboard work of Bob James just sets it off. Nathan East adds his class on bass and the drum work of Harvey Mason is what makes these songs just flow together like a perfect day. Incredible sounds that will only have leave you saying at the end why did they only put nine songs on this.

Easy on your ears........2007-03-25

Fourplay return with their tenth set that oozes the quality and accomplished playing you would expect.
Cuts like Bob James' "Turnabout" and the breezy "Eastern Sky" epitomize what Fourplay is about.
Michael McDonald adds his distinctive vocals to the dramatic ballad "My Love's Leavin".
Check the flowing Jazz jaunt "Screenplay" on which James' playing is particularly expressive.
The band's trademark light touch and melodic focus characterise this set that is their finest for many years.

Average customer rating: Fourplay A higher ground! Best of Fourplay Why The Rush Foreplay?? Good fun; a formidable team!

The Best of Fourplay Fourplay Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Romantics | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music Similar Items: Between the Sheets X Journey Heartfelt Elixir ASIN: B000002NGQ Release Date: 1997-06-24

Tracks:

1. Max-O-Man
2. 101 Eastbound
3. Higher Ground
4. 4 Play And Pleasure
5. Chant
6. After The Dance
7. Bali Run
8. Play Lady Play
9. Between The Sheets
10. Amoroso
11. Any Time Of Day
12. Why Can't It Wait Till Morning (Remix)

Customer Reviews:

Fourplay .......2007-06-11

This CD is the greatest of all.
I enjoyed the Jazz CD from Atlanta to
Savannah.

A higher ground!.......2007-06-06

Romantic and funky, yet relaxing and soulful world class smooth jazz that creates a romantic and enjoyable environment while reading, cooking, driving or being with the one you love. Recommended for the ones who love melodic, funky and relaxing jazz with high quality or just good music in general!

Best of Fourplay.......2006-12-10

Not a bad CD. Nice & Mellow to listen to, great for those rainy days or spending time with your sweetie.

Why The Rush Foreplay??.......2006-01-04

Although, this CD contains a lot of their best songs...I already owned the first three CD's by them. This has a few new songs on it. But, still I ask myself...why the rush foreplay? I don't think that the three additional songs warrant the purchase of this for me. But, those that are unfamiliar with their music will be able to give a good listen to their smooth jazz sounds.

Good fun; a formidable team!.......2005-11-22

This ensemble has always had a very special rapport to show you. The jewels of the crown are 101 Eastbound and Bali run but there are interesting pieces such as Amoroso, Max-O-Man, Play, lady play

It is remarkable to underscore this is not essentially, the absolutely best of Fourplay. There are many others works that deserved to be included and for one or other reason are absent.

Anyway, this is a worthy selection that works out adequately for any pleasant meeting with your closest friends. It is a rewarding choice that it will never let you down.

Average customer rating: Introduction of a brilliant mix You need to hear these guys live on DVD also Fourplay/Fivestars good for jazz fans Boring even for smooth jazz

Fourplay Fourplay Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Know What I Mean? Mercury Falling Between the Sheets Gaucho Wildflowers ASIN: B000002LQ5 Release Date: 1991-09-17

Tracks:

1. Bali Run
2. 101 Eastbound
3. Foreplay
4. Moonjogger
5. Max-O-Man
6. After The Dance
7. Quadrille
8. Midnight Stroll
9. October Morning
10. Wish You Were Here
11. Rain Forest

Customer Reviews:

Introduction of a brilliant mix.......2007-07-10

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.

You need to hear these guys live on DVD also.......2006-11-29

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.

Fourplay/Fivestars.......2006-06-02

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.

good for jazz fans.......2006-03-18

Well created-smooth and mellow for quiet evenings; a must buy for jazz fans.

Boring even for smooth jazz.......2006-03-15

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.

Average customer rating: Not bad not great Fantastic Fourplay !!! Fabulous Foreplay!!! "POWERFUL ATTRACTION TO THE JAZZ SCENE" Consumate smooth jazz

Between the Sheets Fourplay Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Elixir Yes, Please Fourplay The Best of Fourplay Heartfelt ASIN: B000002MLC Release Date: 1993-08-17

Tracks:

1. Chant
2. Monterey
3. Between The Sheets
4. Li'l Darlin'
5. Flying East
6. Once In The A.M.
7. Gulliver
8. Amoroso
9. A Summer Child
10. Anthem
11. Song For Somalia

Customer Reviews:

Not bad not great.......2007-03-13

"Between the sheets" By Fourplay was an okay album. Some songs were okay. Most of the vocals were on point. I wasn't really feeling the Isley Brothers Remake. Fourplay skipped the whole 3rd verse. The instrumental sounded nothing like the original from the Isley Brothers. That was the only good thing about the song. The original instrumental by the Isley Brothers gets annoying because it is oversampled.It has been sampled at least 5 times: 1. "Big Poppa" Notorious BIG 2. "Luxurious" Gwen Stefani 3. "Funkdafied" Da Brat 4. "Summer Wit Miami" Jim Jones 5. "One of those days" Whitney Houston. That is too much. Anyways, like I said this album is okay. I think it could have been better

Fantastic Fourplay !!!.......2006-08-17

I just can't add much more to the fantastic reviews for this album. I have had this album for years and have always enjoyed the music. And to top this last night I was in the concert Live in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia with FOURPLAY and had an autographed CD 'X" (their latest release) to boot!!! And it was a blast when meeting them individually after the concert... A real honour to meet and entertained by these legends of Jazz !!! Absolutely Fantastic !!!

Fabulous Foreplay!!!.......2005-12-29

I own three CD's by these guys and all of them are good, but the songs Chant, Monterey, Between The Sheets, Flying East, and Amoroso make this fabulous Foreplay!!! Their isn't a bad song on this one. Their music is relaxing and not boring. These fellows are excellent musicians!!!

"POWERFUL ATTRACTION TO THE JAZZ SCENE".......2005-09-18

WHAT CAN I SAY OTHER THAN THE "BETWEEN THE SHEETS" CD IS A ONE-OF-A-KIND ATTRACTION FOR THE BEDROOM AND FOR A LONG-DRIVE... NATHAN EAST AND THE REST OF YOU CREATED A GREAT SET OF MUSIC ONCE AGAIN, AND SO WE ALL THANK-YOU... THE RHYTHYM AND THE BEAT ARE SO ELEGANT, EACH SONG SHOULD HAVE MADE IT TO "NUMBER ONE"...TO ALL OF THE FELLOW MUSICIANS THAT HAVE HEARD THIS ONE, EAT YOUR HEART-OUT BECAUSE THERE ARE MANY MORE GREAT ALBUMS BY "FOURPLAY" TO COME....
THE Q.......

Consumate smooth jazz.......2002-09-14

Simply superb. My clear fvourite Fourplay CD. I love the balance between control and spontaneity of expression - cp Bach. The last track is unbelievably good.

Average customer rating: AMPLIFIED FIRE Mimusic I love Fourplay Downright serious and brilliant music Tired of the polish of the radio stuff..?

Heartfelt Fourplay Manufacturer: RCA Victor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Journey Yes, Please Elixir Snowbound Between the Sheets ASIN: B0000690BJ Release Date: 2002-07-23

Tracks:

1. Galaxia
2. That's the Time
3. Break it Out
4. Rollin'
5. Let's Make Love
6. Heartfelt
7. Tally Ho
8. Cafe L'Amour
9. Ju-Ju
10. Goin' Back Home
11. Karma
12. Making Up

Amazon.com

It's hard to believe that this is the eighth Fourplay album. It seems that the group tried so hard to duplicate the commercial success of their first three albums that they sleepwalked through the next three. Now freed from the corporate culture of the monolithic record company they once answered to, the supergroup has re-energized and finally, after 10 years, surpassed the artistic success of their marvelous self-titled debut. It's as if some of their smooth-jazz slickness has been worn away, because Heartfelt actually shows there are some hard edges to the group. Oh sure, Harvey Mason's "That's the Time," Larry Carton's "Rollin,'" and Nathan East's "Let's Make Love," may find their way to radio and help push album sales, but on many of the tracks, including two they wrote collectively ("Galaxia," "Café L'Amour"), there's a bit too much sizzle for airplay. Carlton has really settled into the group and he actually has some burning guitar solos that will also never be heard on said staid airwaves. On a couple of tracks, Bob James echoes his very popular '70s keyboard sound, especially "Break It Out," which is very reminiscent of his classic "Westchester Lady." --Mark Ruffin

Customer Reviews:

AMPLIFIED FIRE.......2004-12-08

I think the even the devoted jazz fan should be forgiven if he confuses HEARTFELT with a more recent Bob James solo CD or even (at times) a Larry Carlton project. Most of us hardly think this is a bad thing. Both James and Carlton have such distinctive voices that that it is not surprising their presence can overwhelm any standard quartet arrangement. In the particular case of this CD, I challenge anyone to play HEARTFELT next to James' MORNING NOON & NIGHT and tell which is which in a blindfold test. Unless you can detect Carlton's playing in the mix, you can't.

To a large degree, this is like the similarity between a Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers CD and a Tom Petty solo project. Aside from the shuffle of backup players, we're talking pretty much about the same thing. This dominance of one player is constantly contradicted by the obvious camaraderie among the members of Fourplay. With Carlton replacing Lee Ritenour a couple of albums and several tours ago, it is safe to say he is fully integrated with the group. Perhaps this accounts for the amplified "fire" in the playing for HEARTFELT. But for my money this is still Bob James band.

All that having been said, Fourplay are (without much fanfare) moving away from the glossy "smooth jazz" sound that found its commercial market way back in the 1980's. That formula paid a lot of bills and sustained a boatload of careers; but there is a huge "been there done that" albatross hanging around the format. Listeners who have been with the format from the beginning are moving on. The musicians themselves are either retiring or itching to go to a new level. Better than most, Fourplay are well respected enough within and outside the "soft jazz" design that they can stretch themselves. It also doesn't hurt they have a solid and loyal fan base.

The first four pieces kick off the CD with promising assured confidence and inventiveness. "Galaxia" is a little mysterious while "That's The Time" is quietly busy and hinting at something sneaky. "Break It Out" And "Rollin'" both hit their own funky grooves and ride them out. Unfortunately, "Let's Make Love" with Babyface disrupts the flow. Like most other reviewers, I consider "Let's Make Love" is out of place here. Perhaps, the members of Fourplay thought they just couldn't totally break free of the old format altogether; but even so it is pretty much a below average song for Babyface.

"Heartfelt" returns to form and is more meditative and reflective than any of the previous cuts. The general tone of the piece reveals it is a remembrance rather than a present tense avowal of sentiment. "Tally Ho" is one of the strongest cuts on the album-just behind "Galaxia" overall. In contrast to the rest of HEARTFELT, "Tally Ho" is an openly joyful number one imagines an uncomplicated pleasure in driving home from a good day at work. "Café L'Amour" affects a slow, smoldering undercurrent of one casting his/her romantic enchantment on another. "Ju Ju" meanders and threatens like a witch doctor wordlessly passing by. "Going Back Home" is a semi-vocal number that is surprisingly sinister. "Karma" is playful in an understated way and ""Making Up" is a slow, romantic, longing closer to one of Fourplay's better efforts.

Some speculate that Fourplay's freedom from their old record company has allowed them to be more daring with a wider range of moods. I don't know about that. What is certain is that the usual suspects will still be dissatisfied that Fourplay has not moved even farther than they have. Equally certain is that the loyalty of Fourplay's fans is amply rewarded here.

Mimusic.......2004-09-17

This was not one of my favorites. Unfortunately, Track 5 "Let's Make Love" was my favorite and there was no relevance to the title nor music. It was rather out of place, yet, I am one of their greatest fans and I will remain that. I am in the process of buying the new album...maybe they revamped on this one. I would recommend purchasing "4", "Between the Sheets" and "Elixir." They are fabulous.

I love Fourplay.......2004-02-29

I'm not surprised how great this cd is. I have alot of their music and I'm hooked!

Downright serious and brilliant music.......2004-02-19

As wonderful and as seductive as contemporary polished jazz can be, it's often pretty slight and forgettable. That's definitely not the case with this album. With Heartfelt, Fourplay has not only broken away from the Warner label for Bluebird, but has ripped free from their increasingly conservative template of delivering smooth, romantic jazz in exchange for a much more experimental - and satisfactory - undertaking. From the opening overdriven guitar lick and entrancing piano melody of the ethereal, longing "Galaxia," the restrictive label of "smooth jazz" is immediately tossed out the window. The LP quickly then shifts into the epic "That's the Time," by contrast a tightly-constructed and pulsating piece projected by a beautiful interchange of rhythm and melody phrasing that leaves nothing to be desired. For the most part, the rest of Heartfelt delightfully backs these two pieces up with justice - the snarl of "Cafe l'Amour," the bright catchiness of "Karma," and the downright classic jazz traditionalism of "Tally Ho!" open up a lot of room for soloing - which Yes, Please lacked - and exploration for each virtuoso. Essentially, these pieces stand out with their unique and memorable melodies and original production. It's not the perfect record, but it does stand a head above the rest of the industry's production because of its musical strength and artistic earnestness.

Tired of the polish of the radio stuff..?.......2003-11-10

Somebody really cool that they respect must have gotten to these guys and said, "Enough already; just play".

A couple of the tracks still sit pretty pat in the contemporary jazz radio chair ("Let's Make Love" being the most blatant culprit here), but much of this record is simply too cool and out-of-the-norm to fall inbetween Marion Meadows and the 13th Sade song that hour on your average radio dial. There's WAY less vocal action here for once, allowing the band to really show off why getting together in the first place was such a good idea: all of these guys are legends in their own right and having them play together is asking for a great time. They seem to be reaching backwards a little, with grooves and arrangements that challenge casual listening but keep you nodding your head with the beat...like Bob James USED to do all of the time (not Grover Washington-period funky, but definitely in line with his 80s stuff before it went too soft). "Galaxia" and "Cafre L'amour" have some serious teeth.

If you miss the Yellowjackets circa 1990, or the local jazz radio station seems to run the same sax player over a Lisa Stansfield beat one too many times for your taste anymore, get this record. It's sharp as a tack and I'm sure will make some long-standing fans turn their heads a little, but will recover longtime fans of the players who wrote this group off about album #3 or so.

Average customer rating: A Christmas Album I intend playing all year round Priceless Music,Best in class. Best Christmas CD ever recorded. Awesome Typical Fourplay (Excellent)

Snowbound Fourplay Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Yes, Please Heartfelt X Elixir 4 ASIN: B00001U039 Release Date: 1999-10-19

Tracks:

1. Angels We Have Heard On High
2. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
3. Snowbound
4. The Christmas Song
5. The Ivy Variations
6. River
7. Amazing Grace
8. Christmas Time Is Here
9. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
10. Away In A Manger
11. Merry Little Stroll
12. Auld Lang Syne

Amazon.com

Here's some soft jazz for that fireside glow at Christmas. Fourplay is pianist and arranger Bob James with guitarist Larry Carlton, drummer Harvey Mason, and bassist Nathan East (who handles limited vocal chores, as well). Carlton is the tastiest of the foursome (check his blues-tinged work on "Amazing Grace"), never overplaying or indulging his knowing chops. Snowbound's strong group effort shines as the band weaves in and out of each other's lines on "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" or as the rhythm section casts mellow, funky grooves in the path of the title track, under occasional trumpet and sax fills. The quartet delivers one other original piece, James's "The Ivy Variations," plus a naturally fluid reading of Joni Mitchell's often-overlooked song "River," taken from her five-star album Blue. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

A Christmas Album I intend playing all year round.......2006-11-02

These guys are magic. Dont you love em?

Priceless Music,Best in class........2005-08-13

This is in my humble opinion,well forget humble,this is absolutely the Best jazz holliday album ever made produce what have you.This cd is so good that i listen to it all year even in the summer...highly recommended.

Best Christmas CD ever recorded........2002-12-15

I absolutely love this CD. This is the best Christmas CD I own. In fact, it's so smooth and jazzy, you can listen to it in June. If you can appreciate Christmas classics with a jazzy twist, I strongly recommend this CD. A must have for FourPlay fans!

Awesome.......2000-01-09

These guys are phenomenal. The arrangements are interesting and inventive, and the playing is flawless. If you like Jazz XMAS music, this is one of the best since Larry Carlton's XMAS CD from a few years back.

Typical Fourplay (Excellent).......1999-12-24

Fourplay takes Christmas music a couple steps up to a whole new level. If you love jazz style Christmas music, this is the CD for you.Every member brings out their best. If you're a Fourplay fan, you won't be disappointed.

Average customer rating: Supergroup & supersound Fourplay...YES PLEASE!! Good Music Why Fourplay, why?? I'll take some more...

Yes, Please Fourplay Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Between the Sheets Elixir Heartfelt 4 Snowbound ASIN: B00004WF26 Release Date: 2000-08-22

Tracks:

1. Free Range
2. Double Trouble
3. Once Upon A Love
4. Robo Bop
5. Blues Force
6. Save Some Love For Me
7. Fortress
8. Go With Your Heart
9. Poco A Poco
10. A Little Fourplay
11. Lucky

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

Supergroup & supersound.......2007-04-18

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!

Fourplay...YES PLEASE!!.......2006-12-10

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

Good Music.......2005-08-16

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

Why Fourplay, why??.......2005-06-16

Fourplay has the potential to be such a great band. But like many jazz artists, ex: George Benson, Soulive, Dave Koz, etc, the sappy vocals and heavy R&B influences take over.

Fourplay has four great talented musicians, and they sometimes play together great. Most of the tracks on this album are actually quite good, but again the R&B drenched songs make the album a dissapointment.

If Fourplay played strict contemporary jazz and ranching funk with catchy melodies, they'd be, without a doubt my favorite band, but for now, I'll stick to Pat Metheny, Medeski Martin Wood, and Weather Report.

I'll take some more..........2005-01-06

I believe this was one of their strongest and smoothest CD's they ever put out. Fourplay is one of Smooth Jazz's best supergroups. I have worn out this CD along with "Elixir", which is the next best one in my opinion. "Yes, Please" was the last CD before "Heartfelt". Although Heartfelt was good, it seemed like they are going in a different direction. I just previewed "Journey" and I have to say that i most likely won't be buying the CD, I'll just buy certain songs. If you want the definitive Fourplay collection, get every one of their CD's from the self titled debut to Yes, Please. You might even pick up "Heartfelt". If you want one of their best CD's, get "Yes, Please"!!!

Average customer rating: Elixer? What a Sweet Potion it is! mmmmmmm, sweet! Awesome All Stars of Smooth Jazz Great CD to add to your music collection!

Elixir Fourplay Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Between the Sheets Yes, Please Heartfelt 4 Fourplay ASIN: B000002MYP Release Date: 1995-08-22

Tracks:

1. Elixir
2. Dream Come True
3. Play Lady Play
4. Why Can't It Wait Till Morning
5. Magic Carpet Ride
6. Whisper In My Ear
7. Fannie Mae
8. The Closer I Get To You
9. East 2 West
10. Licorice
11. In My Corner

Customer Reviews:

Elixer? What a Sweet Potion it is!.......2006-09-03

Hard to believe they could ever outdo themselves after an awesome debut like "Between The Sheets", but this is a real masterpiece. From the opening title track, right on through, this album never disappoints. It has a little bit of everything - smooth jazz, funk, bop. I can listen to this for hours and never grow tired of it. Hard to decide which is my favorite track. "Magic Carpet Ride" grabbed me and hooked me right off the bat - it starts with a smooth Bob James intro and then, Bamm!, Lee and Harvey are cooking up a storm. "Whisper in My Ear" is a dynamite Jazz/Blues track that just grows on you. Phil Collins does a great guest shot on "Why Can't It Wait Till Morning". The Foursome blends absolutely perfect on the closing track - "In My Corner". Really, every song on this CD is outstanding. I've been a fan of each of these guys as solo artists and as sessions players, but this is where they were meant to be. I have all of the CD's by this group, including the post - Ritenour one's and they are all excellent, but in my opinion, "Elixer" is the best of Fourplay. Buy it!

mmmmmmm, sweet!.......2005-01-06

"Elixir" is my second favorite Fourplay album. I got turned onto them from my father. He had bought their first album and I really emjoyed it. Each time they came out with another one, I picked it up. Elixir came along and blew me away! One of my favorite smooth jazz CD's. The other Fourplay CD I really like is "Yes, Please". I have a review on that one also. If you want the definitive collection of Fourplay, get all of them, up to "Heartfelt". "Heartfelt" is OK, but they seem to be going in another direction with their music. I wouldn't recommend "Journey". "Elixir" is a definate "must have" for the smooth jazz fan!!

Awesome.......2004-08-26

I heard this CD in 2001 and whenever I need to enjoy the moment whatever that is..I listen to this, it helps me let go of the stuff we carry around all the time, it puts me in another place and that can't be bad.

All Stars of Smooth Jazz.......2003-03-25

You can't complain when you put Lee Ritenour on guitar, Nathan East on Bass, Bob James on keys and Harvey Mason on drums. The kings of smooth jazz all joining together to form Fourplay, and release another incredible album in "Elixir". The musicians have been successful on their own, and when mixed together, it is hard not to put out something of this caliber.

The album is packed with good smooth jazz, mostly written by the guys in the band. There are some exceptional gems here like "Magic Carpet Ride" with some great solos from Ritenour and James. Phil Collins lends his voice and his lyrics to "Why Can't It Wait Till Morning", which is well done by the band and Collins' voice is very fitting. The title track is very jazzy, and what a great sound from Ritenour. "Play Lady Play" is a little more funky and allows East to step forward and slap his bass around a bit. "Licorice" also has a good sound.

I was pleased with this release from Fourplay, and it gets a lot of airplay from my smooth jazz collection. Fourplay is definitely a band worth pursuing, as well are each of the guys in the band. I have been a large fan of Ritenour and came across his work with Fourplay in pursuing him. His solo stuff is exceptional, and I recommend his Wes Montgomery tribute, "Wes Bound".

Great CD to add to your music collection!.......2002-06-11

Purchased this CD because I liked one song and I loved the entire CD. Great CD to add to your music collection.

Average customer rating: What the heck??? Definately a Journey Worth Taking! Exhilarating! Music for mature adults,audiophile masterpiece Nice To Have Ya Back!

Journey Fourplay Manufacturer: RCA Victor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Heartfelt X Yes, Please Between the Sheets Snowbound ASIN: B00028U6AO Release Date: 2004-06-22

Tracks:

1. Fields Of Gold
2. Play Around It
3. From Day One
4. Journey
5. Rozil
6. Cool Train
7. Avalabop
8. The Firehouse Chill
9. Departure
10. 147 4th St

Amazon.com

Pianist Bob James and drummer Harvey Mason have gotten their bebop yearnings out of their systems through solo albums, and guitarist Larry Carton took care of his blues craving with an album of his own. Now, they reunite their smooth-jazz supergroup leaving bassist Nathan East with plenty to do. East dominates the first half of this album with vocal work on the first five tracks. While Carlton leads the Sting cover, "Fields of Gold," it is the opening riff, East's vocals on the bridge, and his signature bass runs at the end that make it attractive. East hip-hops the proceedings on his composition "Play Around It" and sings passionately enough on the title track to warrant kudos from his other employer, Eric Clapton. The other half of the record is a more adventurous group effort featuring longer lines and more intense soloing, particularly on James's "Avalabop" and Carlton's "Cool Train." --Mark Ruffin

Customer Reviews:

What the heck???.......2006-12-31

What is Fourplay thinking?? "Instead of doing the things our fans want to hear, let's go off the deep end" Wow! This is the worst Fourplay CD I've heard! Yes, Please and Elixir are the best ones whil;e Heartfelt seemed like they were going in a different direction. Journey proves that! Now that X has come out, it's like they never changed after Yes, Please!...

Do yourself a favor and skip this one...get Yes, Please or Elixir instead!

Definately a Journey Worth Taking!.......2006-04-09

I never heard of Fourplay until I bought the DVD Audio titled FOURPLAY and I was blown away. It was perfect jazz - smooth and mellow without the pop and JOURNEY is the same way. Excellent mix of vocals and instrumentals and I especially like the title track "Journey". I'm going through cancer treatment (again) and for anyone who has been down that road, this song really states it all ... "When I look at the love that surrounds me ... I'm here on this journey, and I don't want to go it alone".

Exhilarating!.......2005-08-16

I'm so glad I didn't read the reviews before I ordered this CD!
This is definitely not elevator music but music for the mature mind! It is super-satisfying and I am actually a new fan.
I bought this CD and it arrived on Saturday and I listened to it all weekend long! I even took Paul Taylor out of its #1 slot in my CD player! Four Play has a style all their own and it is this uniqueness with a taste of old 'skool jazz that's screams originality and Flava! This CD impressed me so much that today I ordered two of their older CD's. I also decided to purchase another copy of this CD for a couple I know that loves jazz. NO HOME SHOULD BE WITHOUT THIS ONE!

Music for mature adults,audiophile masterpiece.......2005-06-15

This cd is one of the best Fourplay cd ever made and its an audiophile dream come true.Now, for those so call fans that are still wearing pampers,please grow up get rid of your discman and stop crying.Fourplay has grown up and is now making music for the mature fans with audiophile taste...highly recommended.

Nice To Have Ya Back!.......2005-05-03

The best Fourplay album in years. Eventhough, I've bought every album, the past three albums just didn't move me as much. However, this album is the Fourplay I grew up on. All the tracks are soothing and typical of the Fourplay sound that's good for any occassion. My favorites are definitely Cool Train, Avalabop, and Firehouse Chill. Those are the three I play the CD cover off when in the ride. I didn't know until last week this album had even been released. Well, it was definitely worth the wait cuz the Jazz that's being released right now is definitely oversaturated Pop Jazz, and I'm glad Fourplay took it back to the way it's supposed to be done.

Average customer rating: Love This CD!! Fourplay's fourth album was a good one. Slightly worse than Yes... when i listen to smooth fusion..... EXQUISITE

4 Fourplay Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Yes, Please Elixir Between the Sheets Heartfelt Fourplay ASIN: B000007ND4 Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

1. Still The One
2. Little Foxes
3. Sexual Healing
4. Charmed, I'm Sure
5. Someone To Love
6. Rio Rush
7. Piece Of My Heart
8. Slow Slide
9. Vest Pocket
10. Swamp Jazz

Customer Reviews:

Love This CD!!.......2007-05-14

This is one of my favorite Fourplay CD's. Fourplay always deliver..and never disappoint. And in response to Steven Roberts asking what planet Jazzyjane is from.....well Jazzyjane might be thinking what planet you are from if you actually listened to this CD and think BABYFACE is not on it!!!

Fourplay's fourth album was a good one........2007-05-14

It took me a while to learn that this album by Fourplay existed. After being so deeply captivated by this group and so of their previous albums, including "Between the Sheets," the original album, and "Elixir," I just decided that if Fourplay came out with any more albums, then I would be buying them. For the most part, 4 did not disappoint. I really enjoyed "Still the One" because it sounds incredibly long, but isn't. The song after it ("Little Foxes") is just 5 seconds longer, making it one second shorter than "Amoroso" from Between the Sheets, and it sounds African. "Rio Volt" has the honor of being Fourplay's second longest track, and it too, is incredibly fun to listen to. After that, the rest of the album gets a little on the boring side, and for the most part, it could have been longer (only 10 songs). However, that doesn't necessarily make it less deserving of a definitive purchase, especially by anyone who likes instrumental jazz, Fourplay, or African music.

Slightly worse than Yes..........2005-06-18

Fourplay has the potential to be such a great band. But like many jazz artists, ex: George Benson, Soulive, Dave Koz, etc, the sappy vocals and heavy R&B influences take over.

Fourplay has four great talented musicians, and they sometimes play together great. Most of the tracks on this album are actually quite good, but again the R&B drenched songs make the album a dissapointment.

If Fourplay played strict contemporary jazz and ranching funk with catchy melodies, they'd be, without a doubt my favorite band, but for now, I'll stick to Pat Metheny, Medeski Martin Wood, and Weather Report.

when i listen to smooth fusion............2005-01-09

i listen to larry carlton or bob james or lee ritenour... all of which are fantastic in their group fouplay and on their own albums.... this cd is very pleasing to listen to but i am wondering what planet jazzy jane below is from she writes an intelligent review but says that larry carlton replaced lee ritenour on KEYBOARDS???? come on now dear... and why in the heck does amazon have a link to BABYFACE on this page like he is on the album?

EXQUISITE.......2001-03-24

Another harmonious marriage of musical genious by this first rate quintet including the truely expressive Bob James, the irrepressible Larry Carlton, the haunting voice and talent of Nathan East and lastly and by no mean least Mr Harvey Mason.

Of course virtuoso Larry Carlton replacing Lee Ritenour on keyboards brings a fresh new feel to the group, Larry being an exceptional musician in his own right. His fluid and evocative playing can only serve to steer this imaginative and talented group to even headier heights. This album truely does eloquently demonstrate Fourplay's reputation for exquisitely performed music which is both cutting edge and refreshingly unique.

Its hard to quantify such a first rate piece of modern jazz on such a medium, all I can say is that all the tracks are exceptional in their own right. I would recommend this recording to any music lover, its far too good to compartmentalise it to just jazz. Worth its weight in gold just for the heady and classic performance by Marvin Gaye of Sexual Healing on track 3.

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