Customer Reviews

Fourplay: Live in Capetown

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For smooth jazz fans Fourplay, Live in Cape Town is a must-have. Bob, Nathan, Larry, and Harvey are all at their best as they play their standards. The sound quality is perfect, especially for those who have DTS playback on their AVRs. The stage is beautifully lit and the audience is really in to the performance. This concert was recorded in 2005 so the music from their two latest CDs is not included, but it is, nevertheless, a great DVD.

I guess it's categorized as smooth jazz, but that term sometimes has negative connotations, so I don't know if that's a fair way to categorize it. Anyway, there are really stellar performances on this DVD, and I can't stop listening to it.

Great piano playing of Bob James, beautiful bass work of Nathan East, tasty guitar work of Larry Carlton, inspirational, exciting drumming of Harvey Mason, and all-around great compositions.

Beautiful stuff.

Fourplay fans just buy it! Excellent musicians. They really know how to enjoy a live performance. A very good DVD

It's been a few years since Fourplay released a new DVD.The last one (An Evening Of Fourplay) with Lee Ritenour on guitar was around 1994.Now this new one features Larry Carlton on guitar replacing Lee Ritenour.And after about tewnty years the smoothjazz group is still retaining it's musical edge.All the way to the contient of Africa.The music sounds great with songs like Bali Run,Galaxia and Amazing Grace. The playing of Harvey Mason on drums,Bob James on keyboards,Nathan East on bass and vocals and Larry Carlton on guitar.Makes a great life perormance for all to enjoy.My only complaint is that there are no special features on this DVD.A behind the scene interview with the group would have been nice.Or maybe a behind the scenes look at the making of the show and the trip to Africa.Well,anyway this is a good DVD with some good music done right by a great group.

I am a jazz musician who seldom listens to what is called "Smooth Jazz." I find it is typically fairly bland with occasional exceptions.
That being said, I was invited to a Fourplay concert in Seattle at Jazz Alley. I was aware of the reputation and work of the players who currently make up the band and I was looking forward to a nice, if not too exciting of an experience at the show.
To make this short, I was astounded at what I witnessed. Fourplay used their smooth jazz repetoire as a mere platform to explore opportunities to create and excite. The juxtaposition of music with a great groove and on-the-edge musical adventure featuring in-depth interplay between players and virtuosity of improversation left me hungry for more.
I purchased a CD of their music and listened to it on the way home. To my displeasure, I found the recordings with some exception to revert back to the smooth jazz that I, franky, have slept through in the past.
Not satisfied with that outcome, I bought the DVD Fourplay: Live at Capetown. I was convinced that a Live DVD would likely capture what I experienced at Jazz Alley, especially if they found a performance that they were satisfied enough with to release.
When the DVD arrived and I imediately put it on to watch. I was taken back to that superlative performance I enjoyed so much. These men hit it out of the park. The performance is as near flawless as anyone could achieve. Solos were engaging and the audience was very appreciative. The quality of the recording is amazing with obvious care being taken in post production. You simply must see this DVD to know what Fourplay is all about. I don't think studio CDs do them justice.
I have watched this several times and it always satisfies. I have also shared it with musician friends and the reaction is unanimous. Great Stuff!

I have been watching the band for years now. I heard 101 Eastbound on a plane flight back in '93 and went immediately out to buy the CD. The first and second albums are still THE best in my opionion.

When Lee Ritenour quit I lost a little interest in Fourplay. It's fairly evident the third Fourplay album was put together by a group that was in dissent. Lee has the fattest sounds out there. His solos are so unique and commanding. Larry is great and I can't imagine a better replacement. But he doesn't have that 'RIT' sound that sort of made the band in the beginning. And yes I'll concede Lee has a bag of electronics that helps him get his sound - but isn't that part of his genius?

Harvey is superb. I'm a drummer and can appreciate his talent. His solid groove and timing are trademarks. He doesn't have the Gadd licks or the Weckle fluidity but wow - what a great player!

Bob is mellowing as the years pass. I have so much of his discography. I always hoped he'd pull off Kenny Baron or Benny Green licks on the keys - but then again, that isn't Bob James. Bob has to be one of THE most tasty key men on the planet. Just the right note at the right time. His creative prowess is impressive.

Then we have Nate the Cat! This dude is - well - wow! What can you say? I gotta say in my book he is DA bass brutha! The Bro can sing, play and whistle! His playing is tasty and never overbearing. Overbearance has always been my complaint of bass players like Marcus Miller. Marcus Miller is your Chevy man - noisy engine and cheesy body styling but get's the job done. Nate is your Mercedes man - smooth, sleek, refined, elegant and able to eat the Chevy on the strip!

I am a huge Fourplay fan, however this concert was lackluster at best. It had its high points over all it was very generic. I guess I was hoping that he concert was better than the CD which was the worst they have every done.

Any one who has followed the group from its inception will agree - this is a must have. Bob, Larry, and Nathons
solos speak for them selfs.

This video was very good. The Concert sound and video was very good. The video felt like you where there; compared to some other video concerts I've watched.

There is not much more that can be said about this presentation that hasn't been written here. I just wanted to add my 'Well Done' to those who have already voiced their appreciation for the fine performance by these guys. This is a quality recording that speaks well of the producers and editors as well Four Play themselves. This is the only thing that will make a 14 month old hold still for a while. Although he dances to the music, he does stand in one place to enjoy the concert with me. I wish I had more entertainment like this for him and myself. Get this DVD if you like either smooth jazz or Four Play.