Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin / GRP All-Stars - Double Time Jazz Collection Vol. 4

Starring:Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin, GRP All-Stars
Studio: Eagle Records (Red)
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Description
LEE RITENOUR & DAVE GRUSIN - LIVE FROM THE RECORD PLANT: Track Listing: 1. Power Wave, 2. Rio Funk, 3. Mountain Dance, 4. Harlequin, 5. The Island, 6. Rit Variations II, 7. Dolphin Dreams, 8. St. Elsewhere

Description

One of the world's most renowned Jazz guitarists, Lee Ritenour began his career backing up the likes of The Mamas and The Papas, Tony Bennett, and more. His website declares that he has over 3,000 studio sessions to his credit, with such groups as Steely Dan, Pink Floyd, and Dizzy Gillespie. Since 1976, he has been recording as a solo artist, with over 30 albums to his credit.

Lee Ritenour's new DVD entitled "OverTime," is 2 1/2 hours long with 19 songs covering his music from the 70's to the current. Musically, it covers 4 distinct areas starting out with acoustic jazz and moving into Brazilian music with Ivan Lins. The second half continues with Lee's early music from the fusion days at The Baked Potato including the original band of Dave Grusin, Patrice Rushen, Anthony Jackson, Harvey Mason, Ernie Watts and Steve Foreman. The DVD concludes with many of his most popular songs from the 80's to 2004 including songs from "WestBound" and "Twist of Motown." Two of the guest artists featured in this section are Chris Botti and Eric Marienthal. There are also 2 new songs on the DVD, one of which is a new single with vocalist Kenya Hathaway.

Musicians on "OverTime": Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin, Patrice Rushen, Ivan Lins, Chris Botti, Ernie Watts, Harvey Mason, Eric Marienthal, Alex Acuna, Anthony Jackson, Melvin Davis, Oscar Seaton, Barnaby Finch, Kenya Hathaway, Grady Harrell, Dave Carpenter, and Steve Foreman.

Customer Reviews:

Lots of Musicians and lots of Music -- all first rate.......2007-07-09

I have been something of a casual listener to Lee Ritenour since the mid Ninety's. I have consistently enjoyed much of what I have heard. Overtime on DVD is the first concert of his that I have actually watched and it has raised my appreciation of him to a new level, both as a player and a writer.

The show is aptly named as it runs for right around two-and-a-half hours and features a round-robin of musicians on every instrument. The setting is unique. It is a large room, not a concert hall. The show is an intimate one, not only among the musicians, but between the band and the audience. This is captured very well on the DVD. On the right night, one feels like one is in the room and is a part of the audience. The variety of musicians, and songs for that matter, are a large part of what makes this such a worth while concert. My personal favorite to watch, and listen to is Anthony Jackson on Bass. He is one of those people that you have to both see and hear to fully appreciate. Patrice Rushen on the Rhodes/Keyboards is also very nice. And of course it would not be Lee Ritenour without Dave Grushin somewhere in the mix.

As far as songs go, "A Little Bumpin" and "Captain Fingers" are my personal favorites. With 19 songs that span the better part of Ritenour's career on two discs there should be something for all of Lee's fans to enjoy. Interspersed between the songs are interview segments with Lee and many of the other guest musicians. There have been some comments from others that this interrupts the flow of the concert, but I don't think so.

As far as the DVD itself is concerned, the show looks and sounds great. It is exactly what a DVD concert should be. It is spread out over two discs which is a little inconvenient, but not really a problem. The back of the DVD box states that the show was shot in Hi Definition, so it would be nice to see this released on one or both of the HD disc formats. If it were I would spend the money for it.

The DVD revolution has done some good things for a variety of genres, both in film and music. It has created something of a renaissance for classic movies and had also taken great concerts from the last several decades and brought them back to life. Recently is seems to have done some the same thing for Jazz, or in this case something closer to Smooth Jazz. There is a lot of good stuff getting released that is sparking a genuine interest for this type of music. This DVD is an excellent example of that. If you are a fan of Ritenour, or merely a fan of good music, or simply curious about Jazz, then you should get this concert. Strongly recommended for both newcomers and aficionados alike -- enjoy it.

A Concert for the Band Less the Fans.......2007-05-10

Good Music - Lame show

This is a concert for Ritenour's ardent fans only. The music is good, but there really isn't much worth seeing. A CD would provide compareable results.

The performance is essentially a concert for the band, not the fan. Great muciscians with a good grove, but little else. It looks as if they crowded into a sound stage, threw in a few cameras and filmed the result. The result: a fine audio performance for a live jam, but fairly disapointing otherwise. Stage presence is non existent.Lee Ritenour - Overtime

~m

Ultimate Entertainment.......2007-05-08

After watching one or two performances on Cameron Smith's BETJ show, I emailed him to get the name of the DVD and sent for it immediately! I have never gotten so much for my money and I just sent it to a friend of mine as a gift. What talent! It really makes a difference when you can see the musicians as they enjoy playing/singing their music. Everyone was so into what they were doing that the results make you want to shout encouragements to them even though you're in your own living room.

Overlooked fusion artists.......2007-01-17

True, M. Grusin is not the most extraverted pianist out there, and the in-between spoken parts of the show can be irritating after a while, but M. Ritenour have this ability to bring these talented but somehow austere musicians together to play in a fully enjoyable manner.

My guess is that people tend to despise him because he used extensively electronic keyboards for some of his solo albums but Miles did it too, near the end of his musical career.

I bet you will press the repeat key more than once after having heard the amazing cover of "Papa was a Rolling Stone" !

If only the instruments did all the talking..........2007-01-12

The musicianship here is first-class; as you would expect from Lee Ritenour, all the players and singers are awesome. It's a thrill to see musicians this good. The general vibe of this concert is casual; it was filmed in a large recording studio with a small audience. It's like a small club, and Lee has invited all his best musician friends from past and present to come and jam. Lee's playing is great, although he doesn't tear it up like crazy (unlike the Larry Carlton in Paris DVD); this is more mellow and jazzy-very tasteful. There is a great variety of styles here, as this concert represents songs from his whole recording career-all very enjoyable.
My only gripe? Between songs there are lengthy interviews with Lee and the other musicians telling us what they're doing. I don't need to be taught the meaning of improvisation-over and over. It's pretty irritating to stop after every song and listen to them. Why didn't they make it a special feature you could choose to listen to (or not)? Maybe I missed something, but I couldn't turn it off and just enjoy the concert in sequence. It's a great DVD otherwise.

Average customer rating:

Good Feelings!
Excellent
Get this if you missed the PBS series
Legends of Jazz - Excellent/A Classic/A Must Have

Legends of Jazz: Showcase (DVD/CD)
Starring: Ramsey Lewis , Al Jarreau , Kurt Elling , Chris Botti , and Marcus Miller
Director: Jack Ginay
Manufacturer: LRSmedia
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Chris Botti - Live - With Orchestra & Special Guests
Legends of Jazz with Ramsey Lewis, Volume One (DVD/CD)
Legends of Jazz with Ramsey Lewis, Vol. 2 (DVD/CD)
Herb Alpert - Live at Montreux 1996
Legends - Live at Montreux

ASIN: B000EXZKQM
Release Date: 2006-04-25

Description

LEGENDS OF JAZZ with RAMSEY LEWIS "SHOWCASE" is a dynamic 2-DISC CD/DVD collection of 13 riveting performances from the series featuring THE BIGGEST STARS OF JAZZ and presented on one of the most dazzling AUDIO/VISUAL recordings of the year! Featuring SUPERIOR PICTURE AND SOUND all performances on the DVD were encoded from HD masters presented in 16 X 9 WIDESCREEN with DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 SURROUND SOUND. Additionally, all musical performances are also featured on an accompanying audio CD.

Track Listing:
1. AL JARREAU & KURT ELLING "Take 5"
2. CHRIS BOTTI "My Funny Valentine"
3. MARCUS MILLER, GEORGE DUKE, LEE RITENOUR "The Panther"
4. DAVID SANBORN & PHIL WOODS "Senor Blues"
5. CHICK COREA "Armando's Rhumba"
6. ROBERT CRAY & KEB MO "12 Year Old Boy"
7. BENNY GOLSON "Killer Joe"
8. IVAN LINS "The Island"
9. CLARK TERRY "Mumbles"
10. JANE MONHEIT & JOHN PIZZARELLI "They Can't Take That Away From Me"
11. DAVE VALENTIN "Obsession"
12. DAVE BRUBECK & BILLY TAYLOR "Take The `A' Train"
13. RAMSEY LEWIS "Dear Lord"

Customer Reviews:

Good Feelings!.......2006-08-25

It was lovely to finally have a music DVD that presented great performances, the smooth transition from one great sound to the next sound was seamless. This was one of the best DVD that I have purchased in a long time. This was so good that it was a shame that it is only 55 minutes in length, I would have gladly spent hours with this release. More music DVDs need to be made like this and in so doing it would stop that disappointed feeling that far to many music DVDs leave you with. It is like some meals the presentation is great but after the meal you still have an appetite for more and this DVD did that for me it left me wanting more!

Very Pleased!

Excellent.......2006-05-05

I caught a few episodes of "Legends of Jazz" before buying this, so I knew I would like it. Some of this has not been shown yet by PBS in my area, so I didn't know if the ones I hadn't caught yet were going to be as good as the earlier ones. Well, it turns out that the remainder of them lived up to my expectations. I really like the Kurt Elling and Al Jarreau version of the classic "Take Five" and the Robert Cray and Keb Mo collaboration on "The 12 Year Old Boy". The only thing I'm disappointed about is that there is no Roy Hargrove on here. Hargrove is my favorite living trumpet player and I really enjoyed his playing on the first episode. Oh well, you can't win 'em all.

Get this if you missed the PBS series.......2006-04-27

I found out about this 2-disk set while watching the "Male Vocalists" episode of the new PBS television series "Legends of Jazz," and after buying it, I find I am really looking forward to seeing all the rest of the actual half-hour TV shows from which these 13 tracks and clips are taken. As for this set, let me say first that the audio and video quality are simply outstanding, among the best I have ever heard, in fact, (which is not surprising considering that the TV series is shot in HDTV and features really outstanding Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround sound.) Next, as for the performances themselves, they really shine and there is something here for everyone - the set covers everything from latin jazz to be-bop, Brazilian jazz, fusion-type jazz, vocal jazz, and even throws in a bit of the blues, with a great duet by Robert Cray and Keb' Mo'. A really nice mix of artists, older and younger, and a pretty good value for money, considering that you get both a CD and a DVD packaged together in the box. I highly recommend this!

Legends of Jazz - Excellent/A Classic/A Must Have.......2006-04-26

This is a fantastic collection of live performances on both DC and DVD! From the Al Jarreau/Kurt Elling vocal duet version of Brubeck's "Take Five" to David Sanborn and Phil Woods blowing down the house on the classic "Senor Blues", there is not a single bad track in this package. I also loved the solo performances - Chick Corea's mind-blowing display of technique on "Armando's Rhumba" is a particular standout, as is Benny Golson's "Killer Joe" (the track Spielberg used in the Tom Hanks film, "The Terminal".) This would be a good deal just for the audio CD, but the included video versions of the performances on the accompanying DVD are a welcome extra - they're shot beautifully and the Dolby 5.1 Surround really makes you feel as if you are there at the TV taping... For me, though, the best part is that the artist combinations are really well thought-out, and give you the chance to hear some incredible jazz musicians performing together whom you would ordinarily never see on the same stage.

Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin / GRP All-Stars - Double Time Jazz Collection Vol. 4

Average customer rating:

Achievement Through Talent Interaction

Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin / GRP All-Stars - Double Time Jazz Collection Vol. 4
Starring: Lee Ritenour , Dave Grusin , and GRP All-Stars
Manufacturer: Eagle Records
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

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Lee Ritenour - Overtime
Bob James: An Evening of Fourplay Vol 1 & 2
Live at Montreux
The Jazz Channel Presents Earl Klugh (BET on Jazz)
Casino Lights '99

ASIN: B0006BGWX2
Release Date: 2004-11-16

Description

LEE RITENOUR & DAVE GRUSIN - LIVE FROM THE RECORD PLANT: Track Listing: 1. Power Wave, 2. Rio Funk, 3. Mountain Dance, 4. Harlequin, 5. The Island, 6. Rit Variations II, 7. Dolphin Dreams, 8. St. Elsewhere

Customer Reviews:

Achievement Through Talent Interaction.......2005-10-28

Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin and the GRP All-Stars Live from the Record Plant captures live performances from these highly talented and versatile musicians in 1985. This particular DVD is volume 4 in a set of live performances made between 1984 and 1992 featuring some of the leading jazz talents from around the world. Volume 4 contains some exceptional virtuoso solos as well as some memorable melodies and this combination enables even the beginner in jazz to appreciate the improvisational talents of the musicians involved. This volume contains a set of live performances well worth the viewing and listening.

Lee Ritenour - Live in Montreal with Special Guests

Average customer rating:

Excellent Concert
Special Guests.....That's it!!!!

Lee Ritenour - Live in Montreal with Special Guests
Starring: Lee Ritenour , David Benoit , and Don Grusin
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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Lee Ritenour - Overtime
Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin / GRP All-Stars - Double Time Jazz Collection Vol. 4
Live at Montreux
The Jazz Channel Presents Earl Klugh (BET on Jazz)
Bob James: An Evening of Fourplay Vol 1 & 2

ASIN: B0001BKACQ
Release Date: 2004-03-09

Description

Filmed live at the Spectrum de Montreal, the jazz legend takes the stage with David Benoit, Don Grusin, Ernie Watts and Dave Valentin for a red-hot night of music you'll never forget! Songs include: Night Rhythms, 24th Street Blues, Solo Flute, Zephyr, Rio Sol, Etude, Uptown, Rio Funk

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Concert.......2005-07-19

This DVD is excellent. The video and sound are very good for 1991. Abe Laboriel on bass is awesome,and Gary Novak on drums is too. I recommended this dvd. Is the best of Lee. Buy it.

Special Guests.....That's it!!!!.......2004-04-07

This is one of the most enjoyable concerts you could ever ask for!. Recorded in 1991, this DVD is awesome not only for the music itself, but the sound and image. At last a Rit's concert in DTS!!!!

It's really nice the title of the DVD because we can find the best muscicians.

Lee Ritenour (Guitars)
David Benoit (Keyboards)
Don Grusin (Keyboards)
Ernie Watts (Sax)
Abraham Laboriel (Bass), personally I'm very proud of Abe because he plays extremly extraordinary and he is mexican like me!!
Gary Novak (Drums)

This DVD features 8 incredible songs, 5 of them are Ritenour's originals.

1. Night Rhythms (Lee Ritenour).
Opening track, his Sadowsky Electric/classic guitar sound perfect, Rit show his skill with his instrument and show why his nick name is "Captain Fingers"

2. 24th Street Blues (Lee ritenour).
Really nice song.

3. Solo Flute (Dave Valentin) and yes, Image had a mistake, is Awakening.
Well, Dave Valentin is for me the best flutist in the entire world and we can see and hear a lot of his flutes here.

4. Zephyr (Don Grusin).

5. Rio Sol (Tim Landers) Yes, again Image had another mistake, it's not a Rit's original.
Rit used here his Gibson ES335 and changes a bit the song by adding some rock instead the brazilian flavor it had back in 1988 on the Festival album. For me is one of the best songs in this concert.

6. Etude (Lee Ritenour).
Wonderful as always this particular song, a really complex song for be played lived.

7. Uptown (Lee Ritenour).
Excellent song.
Captain Fingers again, jaja!

8. Rio Funk (Lee Ritenour).
Wow, incredible song apropriated for incredible muscicians. All of the guests play in this song that misteriously appear in almost all the lived performances.

Description

Jazz masters Bob James, Lee Ritenour, Nathan East and Harvey Mason are the supergroup Fourplay, performing live at the Capital Studio in Los Angeles. Joined by special guests Chaka Khan, Phillip Bailey and Phil Perry, this all-star band mixes jazz and pop with R & B and some strong improvisations for a unique sound that has made this quartet one of the most popular jazz groups in the world. Includes both volumes on one DVD. Set list: Chant, Monterey, 101 Eastbound, Midnight Stroll, After the Dance, Bali Run, Wish You Were Here, Moonjogger, A Summer Child, Amoroso, Between the Sheets, Flying East.

Customer Reviews:

MUST HAVE for all Fourplay followers.......2007-06-10

I thought owning all tapes and CDs by Fourplay was all I needed, until I received this DVD. The seller sent an e-mail to let me know my DVD was on the way, and added a comment to "Enjoy". Words cannot explain how much I have enjoyed this concert, and look forward to purchase others. I have passed it around to others that follow Fourplay and they have also expressed the same comments......too little, too much, where is more! I recommend this concert to all Fourplay followers and smooth jazz listeners!!

Must have.......2005-02-09

Simply said, this DVD is a must-have for those who love smooth jazz, the music of Fourplay, especially Lee Ritenour. Lee pretty much 'steal' the show. The synergy that made Fourplay special in the early 90's is clearly demonstrated, and it's a great pity that Lee is no longer with them. Nothing against Larry Carlton who took over after Lee left, but there no longer the powerful synergy and creativity in Fourplay later releases. The audio volume is a bit low, but quality is great. I especially enjoy the beautiful editing, very watchable, unlike the fast cartoon-like editing common in pop/rock that degrade the music and spin the head.

fourplay on dvd is awesome.......2005-01-25

This is a dvd you play over and over. I have seen fourplay in concert plus I have all of the albums from the group, even my son who is a teenager that loves rap liked this dvd , does not get any better than this thats for sure.

Never Seen the DVD.......2004-11-16

Just came back from a Fourplay concert, front row, and was overwhelmed and thouroughly entertained by the richness of the band's talent. I'm giving this DVD a 5 star even though I've never seen it only because it's the only thing available that will help me to relive the best concert I've ever seen!

Clean - Smooth - Jazz..........2004-06-19

A true 4.7 stars - I agree with another reviewer that a DD-5.1 / DTS-5.1 format would have been the ultimate scarifice for such a great concert DVD - but an incredible performance it was... I have an Onkyo NR-900 / 7.1 receiver combined with Klipsch reference series speakers that enables me to dump DD-2.0 concerts and movies into multiple Neo:DTS formats and I must say it is comparable to the true DTS-5.1 soundtrack from the Steely Dan DVD - Two Against Nature. I admit the surrounds do not come into play as on a true DTS platform - but very very good nonetheless. The video portion is very clean and very well edited. At a true 110/watts per channel - I sure did get my money's worth. In reference to a true DTS soundtrack - I did have to turn up the volume a bit more to enhance the soundstage for the Neo:DTS format - it was the only drawback - but there was plenty of high current power to spare. Buy this if you like Fourplay - a true must have - an excellent performance by 4 incredible musicians...

RIT Special / Steps Ahead - Double Time Jazz Collection, Vol. 6

Average customer rating:

RIT Special / Steps Ahead - Double Time Jazz Collection, Vol. 6
Starring: Lee Ritenour , and Steps Ahead
Manufacturer: Eagle Records
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin / GRP All-Stars - Double Time Jazz Collection Vol. 4
Lee Ritenour - Overtime
Di Meola/Clarke/Ponty - Live at Montreux 1994
Chick Corea Elektric Band: Live at Montreux 2004
Paris Concert

ASIN: B0006B97MA
Release Date: 2004-11-16

Description

RIT SPECIAL - LEE RITENOUR LIVE: Track Listing: 1. Heavenly Bodies, 2. Mr. Briefcase, 3. Voices, 4. Dolphin Dreams, 5. Operator, 6. Other Love, 7. Sunset Drivers, 8. Mandela, 9. Amaretto, 10. Rio Funk, 11. Is It You?, 12. Rit Variations II, 13. I'm Not Responsible

STEPS AHEAD - LIVE IN TOKYO: 1. Beirut, 2. Oops, 3. Self Portrait, 4. Sumo, 5. Ewi Solo, 6. Cajun, 7. Charlayne, 8. Safari, 9. Vibes Solo, 10. In A Sentimental Mood, 11. Trains, 12. Reprise

Customer Reviews:

BAD.......2005-04-11

THE LEE RITENOUR PART OF THIS DVD IS EVEN HARD TO WATCH HAS NOTTING TO DO WITH JAZZ VERY MUCH POP MUSIC &VERY BAD POP MUSIC. DON;T WASTE MONEY ON THIS ONE. HAVE BOUGHT MANY DVD;S THIS ONE IS BY FAR THE WORST.

Average customer rating:

A Great Guitarist playing some fun music.
I don't really get it...
A Different Side of Lee Ritenour
Rit Special - Pure Delight!

Rit Special: Lee Ritenour Live
Starring: Lee Ritenour
Director: Stanley Dorfman (III)
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

( R ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin / GRP All-Stars - Double Time Jazz Collection Vol. 4
Lee Ritenour - Overtime
Carlton Lukather Band - The Paris Concert
Lee Ritenour - Live in Montreal with Special Guests

ASIN: B00000JWX9
Release Date: 1999-09-28

Amazon.com

Recorded live on a California summer night, this 1984 concert stars the Lee Ritenour Band in a taut, burnished performance of jazz-rock passions. Ritenour, typically self-effacing and less than loquacious on stage, nevertheless cheerfully leads his talented ensemble through an array of alternately introverted and extroverted moods. The opener, "Heavenly Bodies," sets an appropriate tone of nocturnal reflection, finding a seated Ritenour with electric guitar, telegraphing quick bursts of longing over the band's waves of chiming, folky blues. From there, vocalists Phil Perry and John Massaro share the spotlight and bring a personable touch to Ritenour's journeyman players, cracking wise on the businessman satire, "Mr. Briefcase," probing a psychic netherworld in "Voices," and handling the simmering, sexy grace of "Is It You?" with classy ease. Ritenour invokes watery mysteries in the ethereal "Dolphine Dreams" and makes good on the promising title "Rio Funk" via a chunky groove sprinkled with Latin flavors. "Rit Variations II" is the real workout Ritenour and friends have been hinting at all night, and the show ends on a popping rendition of "I'm Not Responsible." From an era of adult-contemporary sounds often derided as hot tub music, Ritenour's restrained skills here prove that polish does not preclude power. --Tom Keogh

Description

Master jazz guitarist Lee Ritenour performs live. Recorded at the Concord Pavilion, California, on June 29, 1984, "Rit" and his six-member band jam on a baker's dozen worth of tunes guaranteed to delight the ear and give his fans the next best thing to being there in person. 75 minutes.

Customer Reviews:

A Great Guitarist playing some fun music........2005-12-05

I found this gem on VHS about 15 years ago. I waited for it to come out on DVD and finally it did. This is not the Lee Ritenour of today, but the Lee when jazz was becoming his forte. This DVD is well done with excellent editing and the photography is crystal clear. For a 1984 recording, the sound is great and the songs are just pure fun. This is more fusion than pure jazz. If you're looking for more jazz oriented stuff then buy the Overtime DVD or the others with Dave Gruisin. I've enjoyed this concert for years and I believe you will also.

I don't really get it..........2005-09-23

To me, Lee Ritenour is one of the most talented guitarists/composers that has ever lived. I hold him in the highest regard, and happen to own many of his albums. In 1981, '82 and 84, Rit made some pop albums. I personally find the albums "Rit" and "Rit/2" (from 81 and 82) to be two fantastic albums, containing some really great music. Unfortunately, the moods created on these two albums was not recreated so successfully on 1984's "Banded Together", as documented by this live DVD (backing tracks and all).

Truthfully, I find this DVD almost unwatchable. When I first sat down to watch this, I went in with an open mind, willing to give all of the songs I hadn't yet heard a fair hearing (those from Banded Together) as I had enjoyed all of the pop I had heard from Lee so far. The first four songs ran through, and things weren't going too badly. Just at the end of the nice rendition of Dolphin Dreams, Lee said "Here's a few new songs for you". As it turned out, It was my first, and last encounter with the music of "Banded Together".

For me, the music is just generic and, well, generally bad. The lyrics often leave a lot to be desired (for example, "Sunset Drivers, time to hit the street, time for neighbourly relations in the back seat"). The presence of what would seem to be backing tracks on many of the songs is a bit disappointing (defeating the purpose of live performance), and the simplicity of the songs is also quite dissapointing, in that they just don't generate much interest (Along with the bad music comes keyboardist Barnaby Finch's thrusting to the beats of some of the songs, for example, Operator - need I say any more!).

Lee plays just so well on this DVD, it's just disappointing to see his incredible playing buried in this trite pop. But not all is lost on this DVD. The opening rendition of "Heavenly Bodies" is quite nice, the guitar solo in "Mr Briefcase" is really good (unfortunately the keyboard sound is wrong), the sax/guitar solo section of "Voices" is truly fantastic, Amaretto is a nice interlude - featuring a wonderful solo from Ernie Watts, and Rit Variations II is fantastic (I often get the DVD out just to watch this one track, and I wish that there was more music like it on the DVD).

All in all, this is a great band. Barnaby Finch does a great job on Keyboards, Carlos Vega is great on the drums, Jimmy Johnson - while not particularly prominent does a great job of laying down the bass parts, Phil Perry is great, Ernie Watts is fantastic as usual and so is Lee. It's unfortunate that this group played this music - and if this group was going to play pop, I wish they had chosen more material from "Rit" and "Rit/2". However, there are other DVDs documenting the better music from the mid 80s period - those being Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin Live From The Record Plant and GRP All-Stars Live From The Record Plant. These two DVDs (that appear to be both taken from the same performance) featuring Lee & Dave are absolutely fantastic. In terms of Lee, they show just how good he is as a musician and composer - I strongly recommend them to anyone even slightly interested in his music. I also highly recommend the incredible DVD released earlier this year called "Overtime".

A Different Side of Lee Ritenour.......2003-08-26

Lee Ritenour is one of the best contemporary jazz guitarist of the past 30 years. He has done everything from jazz rock to traditional jazz. This concert was recorded live in 1984. Why I mentioned, in the title of this review, that this is a different side of Lee is because he released an album called "Banded Together" which was a more rock album than jazz. He does some standard Ritenour jazz tunes, but he also rips and soars to some of his rock songs. This DVD looks and sounds fantastic. It is really worth the money to just see Lee play songs from the now extremely rare album "Banded Together" which was released the same year of this recording 1984.

Rit Special - Pure Delight!.......1999-11-22

Lee Ritenour proves that he truely is a master at his craft. And his choices of band members says it all...It was a delight to see this performer who is seldom seen on video...Rit is a very versatile guitarist. He plays from one end of the spectrum to the other...definately worth the money!

Lee Ritenour and Friends - Live from the Cocoanut Grove - Vols. 1 & 2

Average customer rating:

Correction to dgates review
OUTSTANDING
Lee Ritnour at Cocoanut Grove
A real package deal !

Lee Ritenour and Friends - Live from the Cocoanut Grove - Vols. 1 & 2
Starring: Lee Ritenour , Bob James , and Tuck and Patti
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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Lee Ritenour - Overtime

ASIN: 630566949X
Release Date: 2000-01-11

Amazon.com

Filmed in Los Angeles in 1990, the complete Live at the Cocoanut Grove will do nothing to alter indifference from jazz purists toward fusion guitarist Lee Ritenour. But hardcore Rit fans and other viewers without a jazz-pop ax to grind will find this concert a particularly stimulating, wonderfully textured musical event built around the star and a parade of international talent.

Highlights abound, including a few streamlined numbers featuring Ritenour and his core band, the best of which include the former's solo work on his composition "Up-Town" and bassist Brian Bomberg's complex contributions to "24th Street Blues." The guitar-and-vocals duo Tuck & Patti provide a stylistic spine to the second set of the night, joining the band for three tunes, including a rousing finish on "Everything's Gonna Be Alright." Brazilian composer, guitarist, and singer Joao Bosco is another triple threat, his early appearance for a dreamy, solo take on the bossa nova "Pret-a-Porter de Tafeta" being a real jewel here, and nicely followed by collaborations with Rit and band on "Odile, Odila" and "Latin Lover." Vocalist Phil Perry proves ubiquitous throughout the first half of the show, bringing loads of personality to an excellent cover of "Harlequin" and "Asa," the latter also goosed by strong guitar work from guest Steve Lukather. Bob James helps close the shop by coming 'round for late-evening performances of his "Restoration" and "Westchester Lady." From top to bottom, this is a pleasant, pleasurable entry in the Ritenour canon, though the uninitiated will find plenty to enjoy, too. --Tom Keogh

Description

Jazz guitarist extraordinaire Lee Ritenour has gathered a few of his friends--some of the finest jazz musicians around--for an intimate concert at the famous Cocoanut Grove. Among those joining Ritenour on stage are Bob James, Tuck and Patti, Phil Perry, Harvey Mason, Ernie Watts and Joao Bosco, with both parts of these concerts on one DVD. Set list: Night Rhythms, Harlequin, Malibu, Up-Town, Preta Porte De Tafeta, Odile Odila, Latin Lovers, Etude, Cause We Ended as Lovers, Asa, 24th Street Blues, Stolen Moments, Love is the Key, Better Than Anything, Everything's Gonna Be Alright, Restoration, Westchester Lady, Bahia Funk. 118 minutes.

Customer Reviews:

Correction to dgates review.......2002-07-20

Trust me, this CD is NOT in Japanese. Both Joao Bosco and Phil Perry sing BRAZILIAN songs sung in the native tongue of Brazil. And I don't remember Lee singing at all, not even backup.

Not mentioned is two tunes featuing Rit and Steve Lukather (of Toto). They both light up "Cause We've Ended as Lovers" and finish with a BRAZILIAN song sung by Phil Perry.

Some cool tunes with Tuck and Patti and a couple of tunes from "Stolen Moments."

OUTSTANDING.......2001-08-27

Outstanding- Lee Ritenour has come a long way he always shows great musicianship.I've been a fan of this guy for years,if you look at this line up then you'lle agree that this was actually the start of "Fourplay" Bob James,Harvey Mason and Lee Ritenour only one guy joined later and that is Nathan East.But these cats are always together and they are some of the best muzos around the world.Buy this DVD because there are so many extras in the line up Paulino da Costa,Joao Bosco and Anthony Jackson.As music lovers we have to understand that you can not buy a 80's recording and expect it to sound like it was recorded today enjoy the music.

Lee Ritnour at Cocoanut Grove.......2001-05-22

This DVD is terrible! It's in Japanese.... the tunes are cool, but I did not know that Lee spoke Japanese. It's not Japenese overdub, he's actually singing in Japenese. It was just TOO wierd to watch. So, unless you like cool Jazz sung in Japensese, don't get this one

A real package deal !.......2000-05-16

This DVD of Rit's is both a potpouree of who's who in his many earlier cd's, and a real treat for those who have not seen them together live.He has the usual group of "technicians" in the sets, but he adds Joao Bosco and Paulinho da Costa, from the "FESTIVAL" CD sessions, and makes it all come alive. That set alone makes this a MUST to "Captain Fingers" fans. It is, a must amoung the sadly small choices of great jazz music dvd's. You'll love it, and it's 2 for 1 ! WOW!

Average customer rating:

Comment and Question
Fantastic show -- and now, "the rest of the story":
SONG "OASIS"
49 minutes of a twenty year old recording ...
Anyone knows?

Live from the Record Plant
Starring: Abe Laboriel , Dave Grusin , Lee Ritenour , Carlos Vega , and Larry Williams (XI)
Director: Stanley Dorfman (III)
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

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Similar Items:

Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin / GRP All-Stars - Double Time Jazz Collection Vol. 4

ASIN: 6305669465
Release Date: 2000-01-11

Description

The best artists of jazz label GRP Records gather in this scintillating all-star jam session recorded at the legendary Record Plant in Los Angeles. Headlined by Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin, Diane Schuur and Larry Williams, GRP All-Stars: Live is a delight for modern jazz lovers everywhere. 49 minutes.

Customer Reviews:

Comment and Question.......2006-06-17

I have a VHS of this concert I got from the library, and it's fantastic! And the sound seems ok for VHS. Am I to deduce by the comments herein that the sound on this DVD is of lesser quality than could be expected on a 20 year old VHS??? Was hoping the $70 might offer some improvement. Anyone?

Fantastic show -- and now, "the rest of the story":.......2004-09-20

First, to Mario Toni in Zagreb: "Oasis" is a Dave Valentin song, originally from his album "Jungle Dreams." It is out of print, but follow eBay or other places to get used stuff.

For Balonkuada5, the "GRP Super Live in Concert" was taped in Japan in 1987. As for "Live in Session", well, sit back, I got a little story to tell. On August 14, 1985, a concert of GRP artists was held in the big room at the Record Plant. It was recorded for both audio and video release. The lineup was Dave Grusin (keyboards), Lee Ritenour (guitar), Dianne Schuur (vocals), Dave Valentin (flute), and Ivan Lins (keyboards, vocals). The backing band consisted of Larry Williams (keyboards, sax), Abraham Laboriel (bass), and Carlos Vega (drums). A special guest, Phil Perry, was brought in to sing on Lee Ritenour's "Countdown."

This single concert was released to the public in several variations - none of them complete. There was a CD called "GRP Live in Session" and a video called "GRP Live in Session", with identical covers but different tracks. Then there was a LaserDisc/VHS release called "GRP All-Stars Live from the Record Plant" with yet another combination of tracks. That's the DVD you're looking at now. There is also a release called "Dave Grusin & Lee Ritenour Live at the Record Plant"; it appears to consist of the performances not on the "All Stars Live" release (although, its title notwithstanding, it features Lins and Schuur spotlights). Confused yet?

I've been hoping for years that there would be a single release of the entire show, end to end and in original sequence, but I've stopped holding my breath. The rights to both audio and video are scattered and long since left the domain of the esteemed Mr Grusin. But still, if you get the two DVD's I mentioned, you probably have everything there is to have, which is a rare combination of talent, inspired performances, and exquisite sound & video quality.

SONG "OASIS".......2004-09-09

I have a copy of this concert on vhs and it is great, but I am still not sure should I buy the dvd or not, because of the reviews about the sound quality. But, the main thing I am writing this is to ask if any of you could help me and tell me whose song is this song "OASIS" originaly and on which cd is the original studio version of that song. I searched the whole net and still could not find anything about this song!!! Please help!!!!!!!

49 minutes of a twenty year old recording ..........2004-07-13

... and they couldn't even bring themselves to spice up the audio. This one's a rip off, and only excused by the class of the musicians involved. Just because we have a digital medium doesn't justify to transfer everything without touching it from VHS to DVD and then asking a premium price. Not worth more than $10, I'd say ...

Anyone knows?.......2004-01-29

This actually a question rather than a review. I just would like to know what is the difference between this video compared to the "GRP Live In Session" or the "GRP Super Live In Concert" video

Average customer rating:

This level of musicianship is a great thing to watch
Great live recording. Too bad it's not Widescreen format
Best live recording ever!
Wow!
Nice Concert

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

( L ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin / GRP All-Stars - Double Time Jazz Collection Vol. 4
Lee Ritenour - Overtime

ASIN: 6305774021
Release Date: 2000-03-28

Description

Master guitarist Lee Ritenour is joined by composer/pianist Dave Grusin in a 1985 live recording at the world-famous Record Plant. Accompanying Grusin and Ritenour are Larry Williams on saxophone and keyboards, Carlos Vega on drums, Abraham Laboriel on bass and Ivan Lins on vocals and piano. Set List: Power Wave, Rio Funk, Mountain Dance, Harlequin, The Island, Rit Variations II, Dolphin Dreams, St. Elsewhere.

Customer Reviews:

This level of musicianship is a great thing to watch.......2005-07-20

I remember first seeing and hearing this music when I was in Music college. The quality if the recordings was, at the time, unequalled in instrumental music.
My bandmatess and I even learned 'Rio Funk', and played it regularly. It is great to watch Carlos Vega play the drums again, and to see just how bad the hair and clothes were in the mid-80's (Lee Ritenour has a pastel outfit on that would have made Miami Vice think twice) If you want to watch a superb "live-in studio" recording with some master players, this will not disappoint!!

Great live recording. Too bad it's not Widescreen format.......2002-11-09

This is an excellent live recording. While Lee Ritenour is an incredible guitarist, playing with Dave Grusin makes him even more impressive. I would highly recommend this disk to anyone that enjoys Lee's work. You won't be dissapointed.

Best live recording ever!.......2002-10-19

This is one of the finest live recordings ever! It's also great to see the late Carlos Vega playing. Remember, it's recorded almost 18 years ago! Never done before ...

Wow!.......2000-07-07

This DVD is a must for any fan of these two modern jazz giants. Although I must admit that the video is a bit dated in appearance (just check the Miami Vice-style clothes and hair), it is truly a joy to watch. Rit and Dave deliver the goods as usual, and their choice of backup musicians only lends another positive aspect to the performances. Ivan Lins is enthralling with his performance of "Harlequin", while his beautiful voice hypnotizes the listener on "The Island". Great to see the late Carlos Vega on drums as well.

Nice Concert.......2000-06-20

Very nice concert, with good sound and good transfer to DVD. I especially appreciated the participation of the Brazilian singer Ivan Lins. If you like Brazilian Music (as I do), there is another DVD from Lee Ritenour called Lee Ritenour & Friends #1 & 2 (1991) with the participation of Joao Bosco.

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