Earth Run

On September 16'th,1986,a torch was lit with an Eternal flame commemorating the International Year Of Peace at the UN. This torch was passed from person to person around the globe until it was returned to the UN the final day of the year. This was the first Earth run. Not an athletic event for individual competition. But athleticism to express a desire for world peace. Considering jazz has always spoken to the people,in all of it's many forms,about different aspects of the social environment around them it was no surprise that the talented and very in demand contemporary jazz guitarist Lee Ritenour was deeply effected by this and made an album itself commemorating this important event. Much like a George Duke album this is very much a tour through music,via Rit's own particular creative vision. "Soaring" appropriately expressed ascent and descent with it's opening ethereal uptempo melody before going into a thick,funky and very grounded R&B shuffle. The title song perfectly expresses the intention of the event it commemorates with how it's Salsa, Brazilian and even Asian style rhythmic and melodic concepts all meet at their intersection of music's own roots in Africa. "If I'm Not Dreamin' (Don't Wake Me)" is a rhythmically ascending contemporary funk/pop number sung with leads by the rich tenor Phil Perry with falsetto from EWF's Maurice White. "Watercolors","Sanctuary" and "Water From The Moon" all embrace a meditative Latin fusion ballads which emphasize Rit's rich improvising ability on electric/acoustic guitar and the synthaxe which he's shown playing on the cover. "The Sauce" and "Hero" both throw down some creamy,slick yet driving 80's style jazz-funk grooves. Most impressive is Herbie Hancock's "Butterfly",very much rhythmically abstracted from the original to have a strong new wave influence. I really cannot recommend highlights on this album because it contains nothing that's less than stellar. The most amazing thing about it all is not only how successful Rit is at being musically creative within the contemporary jazz idiom,but how he uses that idiom to represent the embodiment of diversity and futurism the Earth run stood for. And aside from the excellent quality of this album,a lot could be said about that by itself also.

This has always been one of the best albums, in my opinion, due to the incredible guitar work. I was fortunate to see him when he toured for this album and was blown away by his chops and the band was definitely in the pocket. If you don't own this one do yourself a favor and order it.

brilliant album

Although the album was recorded in 1986, the music is typical of Lee Ritenour in that it stands on it's own without being diminished over time. The various musicians on the album keep it fresh and interesting and Lee uses the guitar synthesizer very tastefully, while continuing to display his usual acoustic and electric guitar mastery. This album is a proud addition to any Ritenour fan's collection and is highly recommended.

CD case received is cracked. Shipper should have padded shipping package. CD audio OK

Been looking for a VINYL copy that I had back in the days!! The LP is in GREAT condition, SOUNDS superb and was shipped 1 daybefore expected! If you LOVE a great musician, this guys does it!!Thanks folksG

One of his earlier works. He had not yet found his style, however, somewhat enjoyable.

I think this is the first disc I have gotten that you made after I ordered it. Seems like a great system. Hope you can keep up with the new blue lazers technology. The disc gets 5 stars, even though Lee Ritenour isn't really my cup of tea....he demonstrates the Synthaxe very well. I just wanted to hear it.the single star is an innacurate artifact of the poor connections I make in cyberspace. I find my dialup connection both frustrating and insulting. Anyway, I couldn't change the single star to 4 or 5 when I tried. Or I would have. You guys are mostly great, never less than3 stars.But that's why I seldom review things, sorryrick

Delivery was very fast - album on better condition than expected. Very pleasedTJ

Uno de sus mejores discos para mi gusto

Lee Ritenour est un guitariste que j'aime beaucoup, d'une grande finesse et à l'aise dans de très nombreux styles mais cet album de 1986 a quand même pas mal vieilli (moins que d'autres d'ailleurs de la même époque...). Lee joue de la Synthaxe, la guitare de la pochette, qui déformait électroniquement les sons joués...Mouais, des ados se demanderaient aujourd'hui d'où vient ce bidule qui n'a jamais remplacé une vraie guitare sèche. Ca donne des sons étranges mais assez froids. Même Allan Holdworth qui a popularisé cette guitare, ne m'a jamais tellement convaincu quand il jouait dessus et pourtant je suis un fan de cet artiste. La pochette d'ailleurs est très kitsch mais Lee sait s'entourer d'une (grande) bande de musiciens de très haut niveau: Abraham Laboriel, Dave Grusin, Paulinho Da Costa, David Foster ou encore Maurice White sur un titre. Ca n'est donc pas son meilleur album mais il s'écoute agréablement quand même.

リトナーの中ではマイナーな1枚ですが、当時の流行りサウンド取り入れ今聞くと古さは感じますがとてもポップでお気に入りのフュージョンアルバムです。

A joy to listen to from start to finish! A great jazz 'cross-over' album with influences of rock and pop with a touch of Brazilian rhythm.