Fourplay is a contemporary jazz quartet formed in 1991, known for blending jazz with elements of R&B, pop, and funk. The group’s sophisticated sound and exceptional musicianship have earned them critical acclaim and a loyal fan base worldwide.
Fourplay Career Highlights
1991 Formed by Bob James (keyboards), Lee Ritenour (guitar), Nathan East (bass, vocals), and Harvey Mason (drums). Released their debut album Fourplay, which went to No. 1 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart.
1995 Released Elixir, featuring tracks like "Dream Come True," which solidified their smooth jazz dominance.
1997 Lee Ritenour left the group, replaced by guitarist Larry Carlton, leading to a new era of creativity with albums like The Best of Fourplay.
2010 Larry Carlton departed and was replaced by Chuck Loeb, bringing a fresh sound to the group with albums such as Let’s Touch the Sky.
2019 Released their final album Silver, marking 25 years of exceptional music before the group decided to disband.
Fourplay Band
Original Members
- Bob James (keyboards)
- Lee Ritenour (guitar)
- Nathan East (bass, vocals)
- Harvey Mason (drums)
Later Members
- Larry Carlton (guitar, 1997–2010)
- Chuck Loeb (guitar, 2010–2017)
Fourplay Awards
Multiple Grammy nominations, including Best Contemporary Jazz Album (Fourplay and Between the Sheets).
Several No. 1 Billboard Contemporary Jazz albums.
1994 NAACP Image Award nomination for their contribution to jazz and pop music.
3 Most Famous Fourplay Songs
- Bali Run
- Between the Sheets
- Chant
Fourplay Scandal/Gossip/Trivia
Known for their remarkable consistency, Fourplay maintained chart success through multiple lineup changes, a rarity in the music industry.
Nathan East’s vocals on "Between the Sheets" paid homage to The Isley Brothers’ original hit, blending classic R&B with the group’s jazz sensibilities.
Despite disbanding in 2019, their music continues to influence contemporary jazz and smooth jazz artists worldwide.
Fourplay ratings
