Fourplay’s keyboardist Bob James, bassist Nathan East, drummer Harvey Mason, and guitarist Chuck Loeb make a stop at one of their favorite places —Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley in downtown Seattle — August 7-10. The Grammy-nominated, contemporary jazz supergroup’s been in the middle of its “Night of Fourplay” tour world-wide to promote the 2012 hit recording Esprit De Four, with plans to record a silver anniversary album next.
Yesterday, East confirmed the recording plans: “We’re in the process of writing our next album, which will be a celebration of Fourplay’s Silver Anniversary! It’s hard to believe that it’s coming up on 25 years since our first release in 1991, but I guess time flies when you’re having fun.”
Fourplay’s been having fun since James made his 1990 record Grand Piano Canyon with his pals Mason, East, and guitarist Lee Ritenour, a former member of the band. The four fused jazz with all the contemporary elements of their time in a forward fashion, developing a signature sound between the keys and the guitar that younger bands would emulate in later years. Loeb joined the band after Ritenour’s replacement, Larry Carlton, left for a solo career in April 2010.
There are no weak links in Fourplay. Every single member of the band stands tall with a considerable, considered compositional and recording resume.
Loeb’s worked with Stan Getz, Steps Ahead, Gary Burton, Wayne Shorter, and Freddie Hubbard. His works appeared on recordings for Carly Simon, Dave Grusin, Bob Dylan, Art Garfunkel, Anita Baker, and Bill Evans.
James worked with Kenny Loggins, Maynard Ferguson, Grover Washington Jr., Paul Simon, and Neil Diamond. In the 1970s, the keyboardist put his composing skills to work for the hit TV series, Taxi. That’s his “Angela.”
Mason’s more than the drummer behind the Academy Awards, Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Herbie Hancock, James Brown, and Jennifer Hudson. Modern Drummer’s #1 annual favorite, he’s also the guy who discovered Hawaii’s Seawind — with the most burning horn section producer Quincy Jones had ever heard. He helped pioneer the 1980s techno-funk movement by producing Midnight Star’s The Beginning, for starters.
East, Fourplay’s bassist, has the touch of an angel; listen to his exquisite version of “America The Beautiful” from this past Fourth of July to hear why. He was only 16 when he first toured with Barry White. Ever since, he’s been on the top of the list of bassists for stars like Beyoncé, Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, and Michael Jackson.
The supergroup (stars love to collaborate with) has been on the road a long time. East admitted it can be hard leaving loved ones, but it’s all for the good of the music. “We do it because we love it,” he explained. “One of the obvious drawbacks about the road is being away from the family; however, the camaraderie and music are the main attractions and of course the interactions with various audiences around the world make it a joyful experience.”
He talked more July 18 about the tour and coming back to Seattle.
We really appreciate the enthusiastic audience reception we have been receiving all over the world since the four of us have been touring!
