This all-star group -- comprised of keyboardist
Bob James, guitarist
Lee Ritenour, bassist
Nathan East, and drummer
Harvey Mason -- was formed in 1991 after the quartet came together on part of
James'
Grand Piano Canyon album. They have since recorded a number of CDs for Warner Bros. that have all been big sellers, not surprising considering the popularity of
James and
Ritenour.
Larry Carlton took over the guitarist's spot in the late '90s, first appearing in
Fourplay on the band's successful 1998 album,
4. The group's music borders on jazz with some strong improvisations mixed in with large doses of pop and R&B. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide