“By embracing change while staying true to its mission, Fourplay continues into its third decade as one of contemporary jazz’s finest ensembles.”

Jazziz

“Fourplay may not have invented smooth jazz, but it remains the class of the field, always pushing the idiom forward in both its jazz and pop directions. The quartet’s fine 11^th outing is sparked by new guitarist Chuck Loeb, who melds seamlessly with the group’s signature sonic palette and superior writing and arranging.”

Bass Player

“Once again, Fourplay reminds us that the ‘smooth’ in smooth jazz doesn’t have to be blasphemous. In their hands, ‘smooth jazz’ never felt as good and true.”

JazzTimes

“Let’s Touch the Sky is Fourplay’s 12th CD, and in this player’s opinion, one of their best…always a challenge after that many releases. And I don’t mind mentioning that I am not alone in this opinion, as Let’s Touch the Sky is #1 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Chart. These guys quite simply love to play together, and it’s evident…This is a great marriage of four equally formidable musicians listening, reacting, and putting the music first and foremost.”

Bass Musician Magazine

“Let’s Touch The Sky is a juggernaut of contemporary music that sets a sophisticated mood and creates a sonic environment that vibrates with vitality (i.e. East’s elastic solo over the shifting rhythm of ‘Golden Faders’). After 20 years and a dozen albums, Fourplay is still the leader.”  ****

ICON Monthly

“Like the well-oiled precision machine that it is, Fourplay’s latest cements its reputation as a one of the genre’s best-ever contemporary jazz bands. While some of its peers are recycling and refitting every new trend that comes down the pike, Fourplay maintains its mastery with modern touches and classic musicianship that will keep fans happy to ….Touch and absorb this bit of ……Sky over and over again. Highly recommended.”

Soul Tracks

“Now approaching its third decade as a top contender in the smooth jazz field, Fourplay prides itself in being a band without a leader.  Each player shares in the composing, arranging and producing of their material.  As Bob James remarks, ‘We always aim to be leaders, to take the music to another level and raise the standards higher.’”

Voice of America

“Let’s Touch the Sky is Fourplay’s 12th CD since they made their jazz debut in 1991, and it is one of their finest to date. A remarkably smooth collection, this is straight-ahead/classic jazz at its very best. If you enjoy Fourplay, you will enjoy this lovely collection of fresh material. The jazz is alive, and the performances are filled with verve and intimacy….Highly recommended. Nice and Easy. Perfect!”

JazzReview

“It would be incorrect to say that not much has changed Fourplay’s sound since they began recording together in 1991. That said, while these musicians – who were all successful artists individually – have continued to evolve, as a group they’ve stayed remarkably focused on what they do best: play elegant, seamless, contemporary jazz with a light sexy groove…the band is firing on all cylinders, making this a fine entry in 2010’s contemporary jazz oeuvre.”

All Music

“Changes in personnel can be leading indicators of a band reaching the end of the line. Not this time. If anything James, Mason and East seem invigorated by their new playmate. Loeb is a perfect fit, and with his addition to the group as both a composer and player, Fourplay is well situated to continue on both artistically and commercially as a force with which to be reckoned.”

AllAboutJazz.com

“A smooth jazz album that offers a relaxing and enjoyable collection of songs like ‘More Than A Dream,’ ‘Pineapple Getaway,’ ‘I’ll Still Be Lovin’ You,’ ‘Love TKO,’ and ‘You’re My Thrill.’”

Hill Rag (Wash, DC)

“Anita Baker and Ruben Studdard add vocals to the instrumental prowess of smooth-jazz supergroup.”

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

“Four extremely talented men, a lifelong calling to create eclectic melodies, a commitment to remaining steadfast to a musical standard established over two decades ago with a mix of deep love for creating appealing sounds and you have Let’s Touch The Sky. It is the next CD from Fourplay on Heads Up International scheduled to hit the stores on Monday, October 25.  The group has once again created a series of memorable tracks that are sure to bring together fans of every persuasion.”

Cuisine Noir

“On the new Fourplay set Let’s Touch The Sky (Heads Up, B), group newcomer Chuck Loeb (guitar) plays off Bob James’ keyboards in a call/response fashion sometimes reminiscent of Pat Metheny working with Lyle Mays.”

Phila. Daily News

“Fourplay is about as close as the smooth jazz world is going to come to a supergroup…if you want to hear some of the finest contemporary jazz players making melodic, day-enhancing groove-oriented music, touch this.”

E-Gear

“Fourplay’s artistry and integrity makes Let’s Touch the Sky yet another reason to embrace the band’s wide range of creativity and admire their growth as a band.”

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder

“Fourplay fans will be happy with this release. Each song features all four members on basically every track. They do not skip a beat with the addition of Loeb on guitar. There are always new classics on each Fourplay disc as well as a couple of surprises. That format has served them well over the years, and they don’t get away from it here. Says Harvey Mason, ‘In some ways, bringing someone new into the fold has made us a new band. It opens up new opportunities and new potential, and we want to see how high we can take it.’ Indeed they continue to climb higher and higher.”

SmoothViews

“…this daddy of what’s now known as ‘contemporary jazz’ presents founders Bob James on keyboards, Nathan East on bass and occasional vocals, Harvey Mason on drums and the group’s newest addition, Chuck Loeb, replacing Larry Carlton on guitar. Each boasts an impressive résumé as a studio musician and accompanist while perhaps only James and Mason have had notable, nee legendary, front-line success in the jazz world. But together, this foursome produces its very own sound, a tight lock of four like-minded musicians fronted by James’ varying keyboards (mostly piano) and the guitarist’s mellifluous counterpoint…If they don’t quite touch the sky here, they’re certainly headed in the right direction.”

Sound Insights

“The move about which everyone in contemporary jazz has been buzzing– the Loeb addition– to see how it would affect this iconic group, has presented itself in a seamless, flawless continuation of the Fourplay adventure. Let’s Touch the Sky is not only an invitation from the group to itself but to its fans, as well, for the band’s canvas continues to grow as wide and as vast as that sky. This album is proof positive that they stand ready to go as far as it grows.”

The Smooth Jazz Ride

“All in all Fourplay should know that in the morning, their fans will still be loving them after hearing Let’s Touch The Sky. Check it out.”

Sounds of Timeless Jazz

“…Fourplay has overall produced another winning project.  And their undisputable virtuosity still establishes them as one of the few contemporary jazz icons.”

The Urban Music Scene

“…[Fourplay] came out to dazzle the crowd with a memorable performance heightened by their cohesive musicianship, in other words, these guys were tight! They are all the A list and they sound like it. Playing songs from their yet to be released CD, Let’s Touch the Sky, was a real crowd pleaser. The new member, Chuck Loeb, fit in seamlessly with Bob James, Nathan East, and Harvey Mason. Fourplay has touched the sky again with their new release and new member.”

Smooth Jazz Notes

“Nathan East, an icon of the past 30 years of bass playing, shines throughout the disc. Nathan shows a mastery over time control in this disc, grooving well while staying firmly on the one. This comes as no surprise to anyone who has ever seen him play live…Let’s Touch The Sky is a great effort from a jazz group that has been around for nearly two decades. To be able to continue to compose and execute music at this level together is a true testament to their musicianship and camaraderie.”

Bass Frontiers

“Let’s Touch The Sky reaffirms the position of Fourplay as the one true ‘super-group’ of contemporary jazz and is well worth checking out.”

Smooth Jazz Therapy

“One of the premier contemporary jazz ensembles is Fourplay, a band with over 20 years and a dozen albums behind them! They welcome guitarist Chuck Loeb to the fold in his debut along with original members Bob James (p), Nathan East (b, vocals) and Harvey Mason (d, perc)…Fourplay has lost nothing with time and Loeb fits right in as they once again deliver a strong set!”

O’s Place Jazz

“What is Fourplay? A supergroup of individual artists who came together 20 years ago, collaborating just about every other year for a collection of songs that combine their talents.”

Smooth Jazz Daily

“After 20 years, they still set the standard for contemporary, smooth jazz that’s always a joy to have around.  Snappier than the usual bizjazz, Fourplay doesn’t tease…Well done by pros you can trust.”

Midwest Record