Earth, Wind, and Fire never won a Grammy Award for Record of the Year. Neither did Kool and the Gang, or Chic, or the Trammps. Instead, during the height of the disco era, the Academy was busy showering golden gramophones on The Eagles and Captain and Tennille. So for every music that ever laid down a groove in the ’70s, stretched out, and danced under the mirror ball, here’s some extremely belated validation from an industry that has always hesitated to recognize dance music. “Get Lucky,” the funky throwback smash by French electropop act Daft Punk, took the Record prize at tonight’s show.

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During the Grammy Awards ceremony this Sunday, guitarist Nathan East will perform the bass line in a song that was hard to escape in 2013.

Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” is nominated for best performance by a pop duo. Their album “Random Access Memories” is nominated for album of the year. East is a veteran session musician and plays on a lot of the songs on Daft Punk’s album, including “Get Lucky.”

He says the French duo, pioneers in the electronic music scene, were really fun to work with. They were also very particular about the sound on each song.

“Every groove is meticulously looked at and honed,” East said by phone from Los Angeles.

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Fourplay rang in the holidays, with what has developed into a yearly closeout party each December, at the legendary Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City. 

The entire Fourplay family would like to thank everyone who has contributed to an amazing year, and wishes everyone a wonderful 2014!

France’s Culture Jazz has selected ‘Quartette Humaine’ among its Top 5 Records of 2013.

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE!

Jazz band Fourplay played at Blue Note Jazz Club all of last week, and we had the pleasure of checking them out Sunday night for their last NYC show. The light and soulful Jazz sounds were just the thing we needed, especially on these cold winter nights like we’ve been having. For those of you who have not been, the Blue Note boasts compact seating for an intimate experience, we suggest red wine and their delicious New York Cheesecake for the full effect. 

 All four musicians were extremely talented and complimented each other well blending their styles and showing their versatility playing both up-tempo and low-tempo songs.  Nathan East started the night off with his whispery scatting and holiday themed melodies which progressed seamlessly into hypnotizing Jazz breakdowns. At several times during the set we were completely engulfed in the rambunctious chord progressions and percussions.  Bob James delighted the audience with smooth and calming piano riffs interspersed with high energy sounds from the band. The verve of the whole performance was one that made you think of nothing but its many shining moments. 

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Fourplay (Friday through Sunday) A few years ago the lineup of this contemporary-jazz supergroup changed significantly, as Larry Carlton vacated the guitar chair, making room for another suave technician, Chuck Loeb. The shift has worked seamlessly, like the interplay among the rest of the band: the keyboardist Bob James, the bassist Nathan East and the drummer Harvey Mason. Given the timing of this run, expect at least a nod to the band’s 1999 holiday album, “Snowbound.”

At 8 and 10:30 p.m., Blue Note, 131 West Third Street, Greenwich Village, (212) 475-8592, bluenote.net; $45 to $55 cover at tables, $30 to $35 at the bar, with a $5 minimum.

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Stevie Wonder and Steely Dan’s Michael McDonald are among a host of guest stars to feature on the new record…

For the last shows of the year, Fourplay wants to know what the FANs want to hear!

Blue Note NYC

December 10 ~ 15, 2013

8:00 pm & 10:30 pm

Please let us know what you want to hear on our FACEBOOK page.  Make sure you get to hear your favorite song!

This will be the last chance for some Fourplay in 2013!

December 10 – 15, 2013

8 pm & 10:30 pm

At the Legendary Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City…

CLICK HERE for TICKETS & more information!!!

The ‘Quartette Humaine’ Tour played to a sold out crowd at the magnificent Barbican Centre in London on November 16, 2013.

Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the show!