After 13 albums scattered across 21 years, the men of Fourplay need no introduction but here they are nonetheless – Bob James (keyboards), Nathan East (bass), Chuck Loeb (guitar) and Harvey Mason (drums).

The group’s previous Heads Up release, “Let’s Touch the Sky” (2010), was fine but “Esprit de Four” is distinctly warmer and more appealing. The opener, “December Dream,” gets things started right by being both enchantingly ephemeral and rooted in rhythm. Loeb’s guitar work is exquisite here, as it is on the lovely, mellow title track.

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The most difficult thing about listening to Fourplay’s latest offering “Esprit de Four” was selecting my favorite tracks. This super group has been consistent in delivering outstanding product with each release since their 1991 self-titled debut CD “Fourplay”. Although only three of the original group members appear on this project, they all gel so well that it sounds as if that they’ve played together forever. A perfect example of this cohesion is the track entitled “Venus”. Absolutely heavenly. The composition is creatively packed with subtle surprises perfectly blended into one of the most superfluous compositions I’ve ever heard.

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“Esprit de Four is a shining example of jazz as a collaborative endeavor; these well-established soloists play as equals in a band that communicates on a level that most groups only dream of.” (continue reading…)

Fourplay’s Esprit de Four has moved to #2 on the Contemporary Jazz Chart!

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