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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An amazing evening….

Having seen Fourplay in the Netherlands several months ago, a man and a woman decided to adventure across the ocean to experience one of the group’s legendary year ending performances at the Blue Note in New York City.

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Best bet

Jazz supergroup Fourplay is in the middle of a weeklong stand at the Blue Note. If you’re not familiar with them, think of them as a jazz Steely Dan, a collection of solid studio players with some rock inclinations.

The group features piano luminary Bob James, fresh off touring with David Sanborn on their “Quartette Humaine” album, bass player Nathan East, whose bassline to Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” has swept the world, guitarist Chuck Loeb and drummer/producer Harvey Mason.

They’re in their 20^th year together and their Blue Note shows tend to be a homecoming party. 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., $35

~ Source Article

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.

~ Source Article

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!!!

December 10 – 15, 2013

8 pm & 10:30 pm

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

Click Here for more information & Tickets!

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To all my friends and fans at the Blue Note Tokyo and in Jakarta,

On December 3rd I underwent reconstructive surgery on my right achilles tendon to repair a 21 year old injury.  While I’m presently in rehab and cautiously getting around, my surgeon strongly advised against making this trip to Japan and Jakarta.

So it is with sadness that I will miss these performances with my Fourplay brothers.  However, be assured Fourplay will maintain the high creative standards set over 20 years.  The band has enlisted Clarence Penn to fill in, and I’m sure he will create a fresh excitement with the band on this tour.

I truly love Japan, the Blue Note Tokyo, and all you fans.

I will really miss you and being a part of this experience,  but am encouraged by the fact that when fully recuperated, I’ll be better than ever.

Thanks again for your support, and I hope to see you later in the year.

With Love,

Harvey Mason