Esprit De Four

When Fourplay comes out with a new CD (excluding the label's release of a "Best of..."), it's a Christmas-like event for me. I hear about it...I pre-order...then I can't wait to listen a few times to really sink my listening "teeth" into it.This particular CD definitely has a different vibe to it. It's not the "same 'ol, same 'ol" as others have posted, it's a different musical path with some recognizable Fourplay-isms (like songs endings) thrown in. I would say this different musical path is a reflection of Chuck Loeb now being in the band. Fourplay did something similiar when Larry Carlton replaced Lee Ritenour. For example, Track 1 seems like an old style jazz jam that lasts over 7 minutes long. I can't recall any Fourplay track ever going that long...and it was really cool.Anyone that enjoys jazz will enjoy the CD. My only complaint is Track 10; which doesn't seem to appear on the Amazon listing. It is a repeat of an earlier song on the CD "with" vocals. I love Fourplay tracks with vocals...in fact I have a playlist on my iPod called "FourVocals" (just Fourplay songs with vocals)...but this one seems out of place. I was wondering if someone slipped a "Phantom of the Opera" track in there...that's how different it seemed for me! Maybe some of you will enjoy it, but I skip it every time it comes up. I gave that track a couple listens and it did zero for me.Would I recommend you to buy it? Absolutely! This said, I felt the need to warn you about Track 10, so you didn't think something was wrong with your CD or MP3 player.

Like many reviewers I am a long term fan of the group,both collectively and sigularly. My feelings about this album is that it is very smooooth.It is a great listening album, with the influences of each member can easily be heard. Being a big fan of Chuck Loeb,I'm pleased with how he has been able to integrate himself into the band. While I'm not a big fan of his wife Carmen Questa,his influence has led the band in a different direction,which is just great. The hub sill remains Bob James,one of the finest musicians of our generation. For this band to last 20 years and still evolve is a testament to him and the real pros who have contributed over the years.I'm sure there will be some who will pan this album. Don't listen to them!

Having collected each and every project this group has ever recorded I continued my quest and was merely 'satisfied' with this latest offering. Over the years I have heard better from Fourplay, even though this is not purely negative critique. Even as I have followed and attended each and every one their concerts in my area I have been asking myself and other music lovers which direction this group seems to heading. From the first track on their very first CD, Fourplay has always delivered a style that we grew to appreciate. But as of late, throughout their last 2 or 3 CDs, the flavor of their music has taken a twist into an area that has myself and others needing to allow their music to grow on us. I am a true to heart Bob James fan and do see this latest offering in the area of some of Bob's earlier works. Again, this is not a complaint, but not exactly what I was expecting.

Love the Band so all their albums are great! That's all... Have almost all their CDs. Really soothing music and with some funk in it at times...

I have been a fan of this very dynamic group since their inception. I own every single one of their albums and have even seen them in concert a few times. I usually buy their music the day they release a new album. Their music is always great and always worth having on your ipod. Great driving music or listening to while cooking a meal at home or relaxing with your companion. If you don't own any of their other albums it is definitely worth going back and listening and purchasing their past albums. They release new music every two years (like clockwork). Very contemporary style. No wonder they are consider one of only a handful of jazz super groups. Enjoy!

I have been Fourplay's number one fan from the beginning and they have never come close to disappointing me and my family. They are truly a supergroup of smooth jazz. The Best of the Best and just like a fine wine they get better with time! The album is amazing for it moves me to a higher plain of thinking and relaxing... It makes you look back to a more gentler and innocent time of your life when you smile alittle bit more and laugh to your heart's content. It's smooth, it's amazing, it,s Fourplay!!!

It took me a while to decide if I should get this cd or not.When I finally did,I thought to myself,why didn't I get it sooner.I have all the Fourplay titles except the Best of and Snowbound titles and this one is one my favourites since the first three albums.The reason I rank it among the first three is that it's a very good and consistent cd.I can listen to it from the first track to the last without skipping any.I would recommend it to the Fourplay fans or smooth jazz fans alike.

Great CD

Fourplay are the masters of smooth jazz and I especially love Bob James , but as the years have gone on and the line up has changed any new album takes a bit of getting used to.This album is no exception.The last few albums have been a bit hit and miss with a mix of great tracks and why bother.Sorry to be harsh but these guys are superb musicians and when they make great albums they have a lot to live up to whenever a new one is released.I know artists evolve and change is key to keeping music fresh and interesting. Fourplay try to do this with varied success I feel, but I am still a fan.This latest album on first hearing it was oh no this is boring , but on repeated listening it grows on you.No criticism of the musicianship just the interest in the music itself takes a bit of getting into.I would love to see these guys live but they rarely come to the UK and tend to play in London only in one off shows, understandably as they are niche musicians who wouldn't fill large arenas or bigger venues.I feel the intimate jazz club like Ronnie Scotts bests suits them and the style of music they play.My wife and daughter think it is elevator music and very bland.Everyone to their own.If you are a fan then you will probably like it , just give it time to grow on you.

Fourplay`s earlier material is far superior. Curiously,this album cover bears a striking resemblance to "Connection" by Empirical........plagiarism...........Fourplay`s album was released first.....

Excellent. The version on Qobuz only has samples of some of these songs so I am pleased with this.

Love Fourplay. Not bought a bad album yet. Sad they lost Chuck last year. Another great guitarist taken from us far to early. Hopefully Threeplay will become Fourplay in 2019.

That's the real good music. Not everybody can enjoy this as much as I do.Given the fact that you already know the artist's old work this is like an assurance that it will continue that way.