Customer Reviews

Yes Please

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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."

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.

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!

fourplay has crafted a marvelous piece of smooth jazz, much to the credit of their longevity. this album will sell better than the last, due to the tightness of the group.

This is recycled Smooth jazz(Really not all that smooth) that we've all heard over and over.I would expect more with Larry carlton in the band but this album is completely lacking in emotion and musicianship.I have a few of the Older Fouplay Albums with Lee ritenour on guitar.I would suggest a newcomer to buy one of those albums.Russ Freeman and the Rippingtons or Spyro Gyra are more melodic and closer to what Fourplay used to be.They would be great choices as well.

I just saw Fourplay live and I can say that their CD's do not do them justice. As a fan, I feel that "Yes Please" is their most diverse, yet comprehensive work to date. A solid effort that mixes jazz, blues, R&B, and funk. Stand out tunes include, Robo Bop, Blues Force, and Double Trouble. Larry Carlton is definitely in the house on this one, and of course Bob and the fellas keep it on the one. So if anyone asks if you want some Fourplay....Ya gotta say.... "Yes Please"

"Yes, Please" is the latest Jazz album in my ever growing collection, and is very enjoyable. Larry Carlton is masterful with the guitar, as are East, James and Mason with their respective instruments. Listen for "Blues Force"; vintage Carlton here. The beginning is reminiscent of Steely Dan's "Pretzel Logic". I also love "Free Range", "Robo Bop" and "Lucky". In the latter, hear James and Carlton alternating between piano and guitar, in this jazzy, upbeat track - my personal favorite. A great record to put on after a day at the office when you just want to sit back and relax. The only downer is the vocal "A Little Fourplay". Could be the best of the fall 2000 lot of comtemporary jazz CD's to select from.

This album is one of those rare happenings where four highly intelligent, experienced, accomplished and mature musicians get together and allow each other to unfold and shine through their relaxed, sensitive and "gentlemanly" approach to making music. None has anything to prove or the need to upstage anyone else, and this leads to a transparency and variety in colour and tone which is hard to find. Apart from this, the arrangements are crisp and the musical material highly sophisticated, but never complicated to listen to. Genius shows itself when sophistication is made accessible. This is what they have managed to do on this album. Congratulations and thanks. Looking forward to hearing fourplay live.

When Larry Carlton replaced Lee Ritenour, I was excited about the potential of this band to add some excitement to the "smooth jazz" scene. One would think his more aggressive style would push the band beyond their rather bland previous work. But, what a disappointment Yes, Please! Is!!! This is hardly "rambunctious" as suggested in the Amazon.com review. It really isn't even good background music. BORING! The only track worth a listen is Blues Force. After that it is just annoying. This group is just coasting and I feel they will never achieve their potential after listening to this CD. Hopefuly seeing Larry Carlton in concert next month will get rid of the bad taste I have from listening to this release by a highly talented collection of individual performers.

Fourplay is a fabulous group of musicians. Drummer Harvey Mason is also a song writier. Nathan East has an electrifying voice as well as being an ace bass player. Bob James is brilliant pianist. Larry Carlton is a man with golden fingers on the guitar.

It would be hard to imagine any body of work by these geniuses being lacking on any level.

However, "Yes, Please" is over the top. Every song on this CD is stretched, caressed, lingering in just the right places. The songs speak to the listener.

Throughout the entire album, soft seduction oozes, strokes and envelopes the listener.

This is a must-have.