Browsing November, 2012
Guitar World Talks ‘Esprit De Four’ & Smooth Jazz with Chuck Loeb
Guitarist Chuck Loeb Discusses New Fourplay Album and the Allure of Smooth Jazz
Chuck Loeb is more than just a guitarist. He’s the consummate musician.
In a career that spans four decades, he’s proven himself to be a versatile composer, arranger and producer in a wide range of musical styles. In 2010, Loeb joined the smooth jazz super-group, Fourplay, joining musical giants Nathan East (bass), Bob James (keyboards) and Harvey Mason (drums).
Fourplay’s latest release, Esprit De Four, continues the trend of beautiful arrangements and tasty licks that has made the quartet world renowned.
I spoke with Loeb about the new album and his creative process as well as what he thinks makes smooth jazz so appealing. He also gives advice on the best way to approach the instrument when it comes to improvisation.
GUITAR WORLD: What is it that makes smooth jazz so cool and different?
I think it’s because a lot of the musicians come from a combined world of music. For me, you hear the influences from my background growing up listening to Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Led Zeppelin mixed in with my jazz life. I think that combination opens a lot of doors. People may not listen to pure, straight ahead jazz, but this kind of jazz is alluring to a much wider audience.
What inspires a new Fourplay project?
Two things that I think are quite important. As a collective group, we inspire and push each other in a lot of ways. This happens not only when we’re in the studio recording, but also when we go out on the road playing. Each of us brings something to the table which pushes us all to improve our own game. The other thing is, when we go out and play all over the world it’s inspiring to see how important the music is to the fans. The music really means something. So when it’s coming up for a recording project, we want to make something really special. For each other and for the band as a whole, and also knowing that it’s going into a very fertile, listening environment. That’s a great thing!
Where do you draw your inspiration for your songs?
One way is kind of a spontaneous combustion. I’ll be practicing or walking around or shopping and I’ll come up with something that I think is really good. I used to carry a little pencil and a piece of paper with me so I could scribble down my melodic ideas. But now a days, with the voice memo recorder on cell phones, I’ll hum it to myself or if I’m practicing, I’ll play the idea right into my phone so I won’t forget it. That’s what we call “inspiration.” The other way is when I know we’re doing another Fourplay CD, that inspires me as well. It makes me think about what would be a great piece for the four of us to collaborate on. From there, ideas starts to form.
Who were some of your influences?
Originally, I’m from a background of pop and rock music. I grew up in the ’60s; which was a fertile time for music. It seemed like every week, some seminal record was coming out. One week it would be the new Cream record, the next it would be Jimi Hendrix. Then it was The Beatles, the Stones or Bob Dylan. I couldn’t wait to go to the record store and see what was going on in the world.
When I was 16, I discovered jazz and I actually have a theory about this: I believe some people just have “jazz” inside of them. It may sound funny, but I think it’s true. I heard jazz and a light bulb went off; I immediately knew that’s what I had to pursue. For people who are drawn to that type of harmonic and melodic reference; it’s a no-brainer. From there, my influences became guys like Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Pat Martino and John McLaughlin. The type of music that we do, where pop, rock and jazz are fused was perfect for me. For a guy who grew up listening to the Beatles, Stones, Hendrix, Motown and Stevie Wonder — it was made for me.
What’s one piece of advice you could give for a guitarist in any genre?
I like to view the instrument itself as kind of like a neighborhood or an area of a map. One where the strings would be the avenues and the frets would be the cross streets; sort of like a grid. My advice is to learn that map as thoroughly as you can. So that when you’re improvising, you can grab the notes wherever you find yourself in whatever “neighborhood” you happen to be in on that map. A lot of guitar players get locked into playing in just one area of the guitar. But if you can learn to play your favorite licks in five different areas and find yourself in a spot that you’re not familiar with, it will be that much easier to access the notes.
What are the elements that make up a great jazz solo?
It’s very much based on groove. It’s cliché but if it ain’t got that swing, it don’t mean a thing. That’s the primary element. Jazz started out as big band dance music so that swing is really important. You then look for how to apply the theory and harmony that you’ve studied as a jazz musician. So, you combine that heart swinging groove with a sophisticated harmonic palette. That’s what I look for and aim to achieve.
You’re the new kid on the block in this super-group. What’s do you find is the best part and the most challenging about it?
First of all, I’d like to say that the two guys who preceded me in the band are guitar heroes of mine: Lee Ritenour and Larry Carlton. I’ve also been a big fan of the band since its inception. So it was a little bit daunting at first coming in to the shoes of guys I looked up to, respected and loved so much. On the other hand, it was also exciting because it was an opportunity for me to be myself. I was encouraged to come in and do my own thing and not try to imitate anyone. As I grew more comfortable, it became this exciting joy ride. I can make my impact on this great, established band with some of the best musicians on the planet. It’s a little bit like a dream come true.
“Sonnymoon” takes over #1 on the Billboard Charts!
From Paris to Lagos…Fourplay is Everywhere
Fourplay has been criss-crossing the globe, making stops from the U.S. to Asia to Europe to Africa.
Most recently the legendary jazz group had their first visit to “New Morning” in Paris, France.
While there, the group was delighted to have the lovely Lizzy Loeb open for them. Lizzy, of course is the daughter of Fourplay’s guitar virtuoso, Chuck Loeb.
Two nights later, Fourplay was entertaining a crowd at the Lagos Motor Boat Club.
They also performed at the Federal Palace Hotel while in Lagos, Nigeria.
Be sure to check the tour schedule for newly announced dates!
Cruise the Skies to the sounds of Fourplay with Delta Airlines
Fourplay fans traveling the friendly skies with Delta Airlines will be in for a treat.
Fourplay’s singles “December Dream” & “Venus” are being featured on Delta Airlines “In Tunes”, a service they provide for travelers.
So if you are traveling Delta, check out the “In Tunes” service, and relax to the smooth sounds of Fourplay…
‘Esprit De Four’ is a Luxury Experience
Fourplay is back with their release Esprit De Four, from a band that has continued to cast their magic on the Jazz world for more than two decades and twelve releases, it is crisp, progressive, funky at times, and always engaging.
Fourplay – Esprit De Four: December Dream; Firefly; Venus; Sonnymoon; Put Our Hearts Together (instrumental version); All I Wanna Do; Logic of Love; Esprit De Four; Sugoi; Put Our Hearts Together (vocal track)
Personnel: Bob James: Keyboards; Nathan East: Bass, Vocals; Chuck Loeb: Guitars; Synths; Harvey Mason: Drums, Percussion, Vibes, Synths; Seiko Matsuda: Vocals (track – 10)
Fourplay – Esprit De Four was produced by Fourplay and was released on the Heads Up label a division of Concord Music Group. For over two decades and on twelve releases, Fourplay continues to create energizing, leading edge, progressive music, and Esprit De Four is no exception. The release Esprit De Four contains contributions from all four members, each imparting their unique style writing and arranging tracks.
The release opens with the track, December Dream, from the newest member of Fourplay, guitarist Chuck Loeb. The arrangement is subtle and unpretentious, but it captures the listener’s attention and draws them into the flow of the music, with each member painting their own brush stroke to Chuck’s arrangement. Firefly, written by Nathan East, was inspired by the jazz trio Dirty Loops, who are good friends of Nathan. He wanted to deliver Dirty Loops’ style, energy, and their different chord progressions, and per Nathan, Fourplay delivered; a great track that moves at a snappy pace.
The track Venus, written by Harvey Mason, is mesmerizing and lures the listen into a seductive expression projected by Chuck Loeb’s guitar and Harvey’s tantalizing drum work. Sonnymoon, by Chuck Loeb, is dedicated to the band’s manger, Sonny Abelardo, and it is a poignant arrangement with a tender melody.
The band turns it up a notch with the instrumental version of Put Our Hearts Together, written by Bob James, which is stirring and powerful. The track is a tribute to the victims of the devastating tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011. As Bob James states “The people of Japan have been very supportive of my music for more than 30 years. When the tragedy struck, I was immediately motivated to do something.” He performed the song for the first time in Japan just six months after the tsunami. The release closes with the same track, but with the addition of Seiko Matsuda who lends her vocal prowess to the lyrics written by Bob James’ daughter, Hillary James.
All I Want To Do, by Nathan East, is a passionate and alluring track that calls out, “Now it’s me and you… Loving you is all I want to do.” The release closes with Logic of Love, by Chuck Loeb, the title track, Esprit De Four, by Harvey Mason, Sugoi, by Bob James, and Put Our Hearts Together, the vocal track.
All together, Esprit De Four is a dynamic release that shows the expressions of four masters of their instruments and masters of crossing genres to radiate a sound that is fresh, energizing, and progressive. In essence, this release is what you have come to expect from Fourplay.
Fans Rave about New Morning Performance in Paris
Warm greetings! I am a big fan of your music. I discovered Bob James some 30 plus years ago with his debut solo album called “One” and I have followed his music ever since including his collaboration with other fine artists like Earl Klugh, Maynard Ferguson, David Sanborn, Kirk Whalum just to name a few. I have seen Nate, Chuck and Harvey on a few DVDs and on youtube with great performances. I have many of your solo and group CDs and DVDs. So I was really excited when I learned that Fourplay was going to come and play at New Morning in Paris on November 13th, 2012.
November 13th, 2012: there you were and I was lucky to have a nice seat not too far from the stage. It was a real priviledge and a genuine pleasure for me to attend Fourplay’s first show in Paris. I got to see you perform LIVE those songs that I have been enjoying for years and some of the new ones from your latest CD. If I may, I would like to summarize the show in 4 p’s (as in 4Play): performance, precision, passion and perfection. I was accompanied by 4 people (age range from low 20s to low 60s) and we were all of the same opinion and feeling. With humility and gratitude, it was an outstanding concert delivered by Four Maestri: Bravo!
It was nice of you and your manager to be available for signatures, photos and a little friendly conversation after the show. I very much appreciated that. I was also touched by Fourplay’s humanitarian concern for natural adversity/tragedy as in the case of the tsunami in Japan in 2011 and its gracious contribution of “putting our hearts together” as so well illustrated in the preface of the “Esprit De Four” CD’s booklet.
Good health to you and please continue producing fine music. I sincerely hope that I will get to see you perform LIVE again someday and also that “Esprit De Four” will be universally contagious.
Thank you!
Musically yours,
Obill Phimphavong
P.S.: We enjoyed Lizzy’s performance and were thrilled to “sing along” with her . We wish her all the best and look forward to hearing more of her music.
Related show
The Bob James Quintet @ The Blue Note Tokyo
Related show
Ofunato “Jazz for Japan” Benefit
Related show
Bob James & Seiko Matsuda’s Performance at Ofunato “Jazz for Japan” Benefit
Bob James performed at Rias Theatre in Ofunato, Japan for another “Jazz for Japan” Benefit.
Bob and daughter Hilary’s composition of “Put Our Hearts Together”, hit an all time high, touching the people of Ofunato in a very moving way. The song was written for the local Jazz band The Sand Pipers, who accompanied Bob and the elegant Seiko Matsuda on stage for the performance. The song was also sung by Seiko on Fourplay’s new album Esprit De Four, and has seemingly has taken on a life of courage and healing.
Many members of the Sand Pipers Orchestra, were touched in dramatic ways by the natural disaster, losing family and homes in the region. The devastation of the land, and what the people of the region have endured as they have faced the challenges of recovery is moving. It leaves one feeling an endearing connection to the people and land of this charming community and fishing city.
The “Jazz for Japan” Ofunato Benefit Concert is the brainchild of visionary Atsuko Yashima of NHK, who produced and documented the touching evening.
5000 paired lottery holders were selected for the 1100 seat Rias Theater, an absolutely beautiful venue, which was spared by the disaster due to its elevated location.
The most surprising moment of the evening was Seiko’s performance of “Put Our Hearts Together”, for which she wrote Japanese lyrics to the song…and she nailed it. Tears could be seen gracing the eyes of everyone in the venue, as she beautifully phrased Hilary’s lyrics. Watching the teleprompter transition from English lyrics to Kanji was moving, and the crowd truly felt the message of the song.