Yes, Please

Fourplay

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 22, 2000)
• Original Release Date: August 22, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Warner Bros / Wea
• ASIN: B00004WF26
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #8,207 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

When Larry Carlton replaced Lee Ritenour in Fourplay's guitar chair in 1998, the big question was, what difference would he make. Would his more aggressive leanings toward blues and rock add the kind of punch that would keep Fourplay progressing beyond their easygoing roots? Their first two recordings with Carlton, 4 and Snowbound, offered hints of this direction, but Yes, Please! completes the transition, showing off a much more rambunctious ensemble for the new millennium. Typical tunes begin with Carlton going the subtle route (more in line with what Ritenour did) before exploding into feisty improvisations. "Free Range" starts as an elegant duet with his high tones blending seamlessly into Bob James's shimmering, laid-back keys over a gently simmering Nathan East-Harvey Mason groove. Then Carlton rises above the fray for a crackling, echoing solo that kicks the rhythm of the others up a notch. "Blues Force" has a hypnotic and seductive bluesy groove (led by James's keys) that acts as a bed for L.C. to play it crisp, then hard toward the end. James acts as softhearted harmonic foil for Carlton before taking a lively solo. What makes Carlton the perfect Fourplayer is his sweet, romantic, and acoustic side, which allows him to lead "Go with Your Heart" into terrain reminiscent of the vintage Fourplay sound. But even here, he waxes snappy on occasion, driving his bandmates up a notch. --Jonathan Widran

From Jazziz

When Larry Carlton replaced Lee Ritenour as Fourplay's guitarist in 1998, the big question was: Will his more aggressive leanings toward blues and rock add the kind of punch that will keep Fourplay progressing beyond its easygoing roots? The group's first two albums recorded with Carlton hinted at an answer, but Yes, Please! is more definitive, showing off a rambunctious ensemble for the new millennium.

Typical tunes begin with Carlton going the subtle route - à la Ritenour - before exploding into feisty improvisations. A fine example is "Free Range," which begins with Carlton's high tones blending elegantly and seamlessly with Bob James' shimmering, laid-back work on the keys. In short order, however, Carlton rises above the gentle, rhythmic groove of bassist Nathan East and drummer Harvey Mason for a crackling, echoing solo that kicks the rhythm up a notch.

But what makes Carlton the perfect Fourplayer is his sweet acoustic side, which allows him to lead songs such as "Go With Your Heart" into terrain reminiscent of the vintage Fourplay sound. Even there, however, Carlton waxes snappy on occasion, always driving his bandmates higher.

--- Jonathan Widran, JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Marvelous new Carlton-led 4Play -- I want "more, please!", August 22, 2000

By	William Merrill "eclecticist" (San Antonio, TX United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

After growing ever wearier of Smooth Jazz blandness such as the latest James & Braun duo CD, the too-cool new Fourplay disc was a reminder for me that the subgenre can have redeeming moments. Larry Carlton's guitar soloing is especially delectable, as he wrings just the right sorrowful, joyful, or pensive notes out of his instrument, depending on what the song calls for. The band didn't lose a step when he replaced Lee Ritenour two albums ago - Carlton is top-notch. The rest of the band is also as great as ever - James with his subtly challenging keyboard lines, East contributing his usual elegant bass foundations and silky vocals, and Harvey Mason's sparkling drum work. I believe what really distinguishes Fourplay from the rest, though, is their songwriting skills, individually and as a group. The melodies on "...yes, please!" are consistently memorable and interesting. It's a 4-and1/2-star CD; the only thing that stopped me from giving out my first 5-star review ever was that Mr. James gets a little too twinkly on such tunes as "Robo Bop" and "Go With Your Heart."

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars You're Welcome!, September 28, 2000

By	A.J. Lenrope "oneofone" (St. Louis, MO USA) - See all my reviews

I've been a fan of Fourplay from the first recording on, though sometimes a little skeptical or wary. "Yes, Please" is an interesting and worthwhile addition to today's jazz-pop-fusion mix. (That's a subject unto itself!) The primary characteristic of this recording (by the way, an excellent technical job) is the prominent addition of Larry Carlton, the proverbially "legendary" guitarist, replacing Lee Ritenour. (Hey, Lee, more "Wes Bound," please!) Carlton's imprint is everywhere in this recording, and it's both fascinating and successful. Carlton's positive reputation is well known and well deserved. The cut "Blues Force" seems most memorable in my mind. Two vocal cuts are far less successful. I find it odd how frequently vocal pieces (often directed toward radio-play) fall flat on otherwise excellent contemporary jazz recordings. Much of this CD is mesmerizing, geat to listen to in the car, and Carlton is a welcome addition to Bob James and the crew. Bob is a phenomenon.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fourplay does it again!, August 22, 2000

By A Customer

This CD is a compilation of four of the greatest musicians ever. The flow is so smooth and the tracks so diverse and well constructed, it is no wonder why this band is so incredible. This is jazz at its best! Buy this tape and prepare to be blown away by four masters of their respective instruments. Enjoy!