A debut album with a refreshing groove
This is the first album by Ritenour, a session guitarist, and an important work that bridges the gap between jazz and fusion.
Lee Ritenour's guitar work is central to the album, and the exquisite interplay between backing and lead expression is impressive. Supported by a stellar lineup of session musicians, including Dave Grusin, the album adds depth to the rhythmic and harmonic constructions. Tracks like "Sweet Syncopation" and "Theme From 'Three Days of the Condor'" feature beautifully structured arrangements, creating a pleasingly funky yet sophisticated groove. Occasional classical guitar and acoustic elements are also present, adding a range of expression to the album as a whole. As a work symbolizing the dawn of crossover jazz, this album can be seen as an important starting point, showcasing the prototype of Ritenour's later sound.
