“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.”

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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. (continue reading…)

You will have only begun to scratch the surface by identifying the masterful Harvey Mason Sr. as just a percussionist.
Yes, his precision time keeping and versatility have placed him among THE most in-demand and most recorded session drummers of all-time.

He’s been hired by everyone from Barbra Streisand to James Brown to Mary J. to Herbie Hancock to Jennifer Hudson to Frank Sinatra to John Legend to the London Symphony Orchestra.

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Contemporary Jazz group Fourplay Lays It On The Line With The Release Of New Project,

“Esprit De Four” on Sept. 18th, 2012

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Esprit de Four explores the place where four unique perspectives become a single creative force…

Featuring “Put Our Hearts Together,” Bob James’ tribute to the victims of the devastating tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011.

When it comes to making music, four is often the magic number. From the Beatles to MJQ, many legendary quartets have made their mark in the classical, pop and jazz traditions. Maybe it’s the idea of four talented individuals, each approaching the other three from a unique perspective – like inspired travelers hailing from equidistant coordinates on a map – and bringing all of their talents to bear at a single point. Maybe it’s just the sheer mathematical symmetry and balance of the number itself. (continue reading…)

Be sure to tune in as each member of Fourplay sits down with Coffee Talk Jazz Radio to chat about the new album “Esprit de Four”, touring, and much more…

Harvey Mason = Sept 4

Chuck Loeb = Sept 11

Bob James = Sept 18

Nathan East = Sept 27

Show times: 7 pm – 10:30pm (Pacific)

It’s coming!

The new album from Fourplay…

Fourplay is in the studio working on their new album, and had a special visit from Usher.  He stopped through recently to see how things were going and to hang out with the guys for a bit…

Fourplay is working on their next scintillating album of audible artwork.

Stay tuned for updates…

This charity recording project, named “Jazz For Japan,” was conceived by Larry Robinson, a former jazz drummer and now CEO of Avatar Records.

“I told them that many of the American Jazz musicians tour Japan numerous times a year,” he explained. “It was at that moment the seeds of Jazz For Japan were born. Within five days we called all our jazz friends and put together this truly amazing line up of musicians to record at Hollywood’s famous Capitol Recording Studio who all donated their time.”, says Robinson.

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