American Flyers

Lee Ritenour's "American Flyers," released on October 8, 1985, under Verve Reissues, is a captivating blend of smooth jazz, jazz fusion, yacht rock, jazz funk, and cool jazz. This album, with a runtime of 37 minutes, showcases Ritenour's versatility and mastery over various jazz genres. The tracklist is a journey through dynamic compositions, starting with the energetic "American Flyers" and "Traveling Music," leading to the uplifting "Brand New Day." The album also features a two-part "Brothers' Theme," a standout instrumental piece that highlights Ritenour's skillful guitar work. Other notable tracks include the funky "Gone Ridin'" and the classic "Bad Moon Rising," a cover that adds a fresh, jazzy twist to the well-known tune. Ritenour's ability to seamlessly blend different styles makes "American Flyers" a standout in his discography, offering a rich and engaging listening experience.

Lee Ritenour, affectionately known as "Captain Fingers," is a virtuoso American jazz guitarist, musician, and composer who has been captivating audiences since the late 1960s. Born in Los Angeles in 1952, Ritenour's career is marked by a remarkable balance between individual creativity and collaborative dynamism. With over 30 chart-topping contemporary jazz hits since 1976, his discography boasts an impressive 45 albums, earning him a Grammy Award and 16 Grammy nominations. Ritenour's versatility shines through his work in smooth jazz, jazz fusion, yacht rock, jazz funk, and cool jazz, showcasing his prowess as a stylistic chameleon. Beyond his musical accolades, he has also made his mark as a pianist, arranger, film and TV composer, and producer, even winning an Academy Award for his work on "The Milagro Beanfield War." Recognized by the Los Angeles Jazz Society as an honoree in 2019 and named Alumnus of the Year at USC, Ritenour's influence and legacy in the world of jazz are undeniable.

American Flyers

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