“Esprit de Four is a shining example of jazz as a collaborative endeavor; these well-established soloists play as equals in a band that communicates on a level that most groups only dream of.”
~All Music
“Twenty years and counting, the legendary group Fourplay releases yet another inspired work of genius that is nothing short of religious in its listening experience. Songs from the newest collection,Esprit De Four is what makes music from Fourplay a pilgrimage to listening enjoyment…Fourplay has become its own religion. Fans wait obediently for the next sign to arrive.Esprit De Four is the newest inspiration in the form of songs from the hymnals from the cathedral of Fourplay. When one needs to get away, far away from the everyday, if only just for part of the day;Esprit De Four from Fourplay is that refuge from the world.
~Examiner.com
“Individually, James, East, Loeb and Mason bring their stellar reputations to any project. These four artists have nothing to prove. The ironic thing about artists who have nothing to prove is that in their quiet confidence they can prove so much. And with each performance the members of Fourplay remind fans of the reasons for their incredible staying power. Recommended.”
~SoulTracks
“…with each of their recordings, Fourplay always stands above their peers andEsprit De Four nicely reinforces their musical brotherhood, offering state-of-the-art smooth jazz for discerning fans.”
~ICON
“Arguably their finest release to date. I will say it again, this is not a quartet but a jazz collective with harmonious synergy and a lyrical sense of direction and purpose that knows no limits.”
~@CriticalJazz
“The title of their highly anticipated new album Esprit De Four reflects the continuing symmetry and expansive creativity that defines Fourplay with Loeb in the guitar chair. One of the highlights is the poignant ‘Put Our Hearts Together,’ which James and his daughter Hilary James penned as a tribute to the victims of the devastating tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011. The vocal is by superstar Japanese pop singer Seiko Matsuda.”
~Jazz Monthly
“The most difficult thing about listening to Fourplay’s latest offeringEsprit De Four was selecting my favorite tracks.”
~Smooth Jazz Magazine
“If there is any one thing that defines Fourplay, besides being one of the most consistent and extraordinarily talented groups ever to grace the contemporary jazz scene, it is that the quartet has loads of class and, as the driving catalyst for one of the tracks on this newest album, Esprit de Four, demonstrates, compassion. The referenced track is ‘Put Our Hearts Together’ and is inspired by and dedicated to the March 11, 2011, Japanese earthquake and tsunami victims. Actually, there are two tracks—the instrumental and the vocal versions of the same tune. It is the group’s collective voice that should call to all of us to remember that we in America are not alone as victims of tragedies. All over the world, we are truly all in this together…A beautifully arranged album that is unmistakably all jazz in its finest form.”
~The Smooth Jazz Ride
“Overall, the entire program is one that features the insightful performances by all of Fourplay’s members and their consummate professionalism as Esprit de Four.”
~SoundsOfTimelessJazz
“If thirteen is lucky for some then all those who appreciate the enduring magic of the fabulous Fourplay will hit the jackpot with the band’s thirteenth CD,Esprit De Four which will be released September 18 on Heads Up International, a division of Concord Music Group. In keeping with what has gone before the essence ofEsprit De Four is in the way, both individually and collectively, the players expertly interpret their own immaculate compositions and with writing credits shared around between band members Chuck Loeb, Bob James, Nathan East, and Harvey Mason, the album feels very much like a delicious throwback to the nineties and the early days of Fourplay.”
~Smooth Jazz Therapy
“Premier smooth jazz outfit Fourplay have been in business since 1991 when keyboard doyen Bob James set to work with drummer Harvey Mason, bassist Nathan East and guitarist Lee Ritenour to craft an album which successfully blended jazz with soul, R&B and pop. The success of that self-titled set encouraged the foursome to continue and though there’s been the odd personnel change (Larry Carlton replaced Ritenour in the mid 90s and Chuck Loeb replaced Carlton in 2010) the Fourplay sound remains essentially the same.”
~SoulandJazzandFunk
“If you expect strong compositions, masterful playing and flawless production, let me tell you, you won’t be disappointed. But that’s not everything you get from this band: you get the combined experience of four players who can, and do, play anything. They choose to deliver here a blend of improvisation and melody, a musical caress, soul music of a subtle and distinctive kind that only comes from the band we know, and have known for two decades, as Fourplay.”
~Smooth & Soul
“…there’s a lot to be said for a professional guided tour like this. Well done, as always.”
~Midwest Record
