Lee Ritenour Live - AJ!!

Bernie Connors · #1 04-07-2004, 09:05 PM

If you haven't heard, Lee Ritenour will be releasing a Live DVD in June or July of this year. It has already been taped. Melvin Lee Davis and Anthony Jackson will both be playing on it, among others. Here's what Melvin had to say on his site:

70's Music Group featuring: Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin, Harvey Mason, Patrice Rushen, Anthony Jackson, Ernie Watts,

Contemporary Group featuring: Lee Ritenour, Melvin Lee Davis, Kenya Hathaway, Oscar Seaton, Barnaby Finch, Chris Botti, Eric Marienthal, Patrice Rushen, Dave Grusin, Grady Harrell

Jazz Group featuring: Lee Ritenour,Ernie Watts, Harvey Mason, Dave Grusin, Patrice Rushen, Dave Carpenter

Brazilian Group featuring: Lee Ritenour, Anthony Jackson, Alex Acuna, Ivan Lins, Harvey Mason, Dave Grusin

Melvin is in one band and AJ is in two! I can't wait for this DVD. Two of the coolest bassists out there today.

**Adam Barkley** · #2 04-07-2004, 09:09 PM

What are some good examples of AJ's playing?

Bernie Connors · #3 04-07-2004, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abark000

What are some good examples of AJ's playing?

Hey!

I'm only familiar with AJ's work in jazz so far, as I've just recently became a fan. But here are some recordings that I have and recommend:

Michel Camilo - Triangulo
Michel Camilo - One More Once
Michel Petrucciani - Trio Live in Tokyo
Al DiMeola - Flesh on Flesh

Also, the Calle 54 DVD is a must for any AJ fan. A great trio performance with Michel Camilo and Horacio 'El Negro' Hernandez.

Hope that helped!

**Adam Barkley** · #4 04-07-2004, 10:19 PM

Thanks try to check it out sometime.

I have heard a ton about him, but have never heard his playing. He must be pretty good becuase he probably has the most expensive signature bass in the world.

Bernie Connors · #5 04-07-2004, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abark000

...he probably has the most expensive signature bass in the world.

Yeah, I think so too!

**Adam Barkley** · #6 04-07-2004, 11:03 PM

Isn't the presentation model like 20,000 dollars?

Bernie Connors · #7 04-07-2004, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abark000

Isn't the presentation model like 20,000 dollars?

I've heard a quote from a dealer that it's 18,000 list. The dealer will discount that price. But still, even at a discount from list, that's still an expensive bass.

**Adam Barkley** · #8 04-07-2004, 11:22 PM

Sorry I need a newer car first.

But for the person who can afford it/has everything I'm sure that it would be nice.

JimK · #9 04-08-2004, 05:53 AM

...the thing is-
AJ still sounded/played great on his '70s Fender.

My first impression of AJ came through Pop/R&B records, i.e. his work as a studio sideman.
The O'Jays, Chaka Khan, Steely Dan, Donald Fagen, Quincy Jones, etc
Then came the Fusion stuff like Al DiMeola, Eric Gale, & Steve Khan's Eyewitness.
IMO, the early Eyewitness stuff is essential!

Eventually, AJ popped up with some Latin musicians. Anything with Michel Camilo & 'El Negro' is happenin'! I second the Calle 54 DVD.

JMX · #10 04-08-2004, 06:10 AM

There's also a DVD of German-Ungarian drummer Leslie Mandoki with a flock of guest stars like AJ, Pino Palladino, Victor Bailey, Jack Bruce among others and it also features AJ in some interviews and 2 or 3 songs.

It's best described as Pop-Fusion (vocals/lyrics sometimes alittle corny, but tolerable, music is quite good though).

Leslie Mandoki - Soulmates Absolutely Live

XavierG · #11 04-08-2004, 11:10 AM

Thanks for the heads-up, Bernie. I'll be waiting for that DVD to hit the (online) shelves.

Davehenning · #12 04-08-2004, 11:24 AM

There has been a Simon&Garfunkel live video on public television. It is live in Central Park(1980?) It has a great band and the rythym section is AJ and Steve Gadd. I think it is available on VHS.

Bernie Connors · #13 04-08-2004, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XavierG

Thanks for the heads-up, Bernie. I'll be waiting for that DVD to hit the (online) shelves.

You're welcome.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davehenning

There has been a Simon&Garfunkel live video on public television. It is live in Central Park(1980?) It has a great band and the rythym section is AJ and Steve Gadd. I think it is available on VHS.

Yeah, I have heard of that concert. Although I've never seen it. It's also available on DVD IIRC.

Nick Bassman · #14 04-08-2004, 05:19 PM

Thanks for the heads up on this Bernie. Now there's something to look forward too

Quote:

Originally Posted by abark000

But for the person who can afford it/has everything I'm sure that it would be nice.

Well abark000, I haven't quite got everything but the car had to go !! (check the avatar)

Bernie Connors · #15 04-08-2004, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick Bassman

Thanks for the heads up on this Bernie. Now there's something to look forward too

Well abark000, I haven't quite got everything but the car had to go !! (check the avatar)

You're welcome. Glad I could help out.

Wow, Nick! You're one lucky guy to have one of *the* nicest basses in the world today. The nicest bass out there IMO.

Is it everything you thought it would be when you received it? I don't see how it couldn't be, but I thought I would ask since you have one.

Nick Bassman · #16 04-09-2004, 04:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bernie Connors

Is it everything you thought it would be when you received it? I don't see how it couldn't be, but I thought I would ask since you have one.

Hi Bernie

I'm one lucky guy with a very understanding wife.
For me it is the best bass I have ever owned (and I've had a few). It is everything I hoped it would be and more. No more knob twiddling for me !!

Bernie Connors · #17 04-09-2004, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick Bassman

Hi Bernie

I'm one lucky guy with a very understanding wife.
For me it is the best bass I have ever owned (and I've had a few). It is everything I hoped it would be and more. No more knob twiddling for me !!

That's great, Nick! I'm glad you've found the bass of your dreams.

I've also have a couple of AJ recordings on there way to me now. 'Buddies Buddys' and 'Further Dance' by Roland Vazquez. I can't wait for both of these. From what I've heard, they're both great!

JimK · #18 04-10-2004, 03:48 PM

I have Vazquez' No Seperate Love w/ AJ.
Big Band Latin Jazz...I may have to re-visit that one.

Davehenning · #19 04-10-2004, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimK

I have Vazquez' No Seperate Love w/ AJ.
Big Band Latin Jazz...I may have to re-visit that one.

I have "No Seperate Love," I think it contains some of AJ's all time greatest playing. The songs are a little fusion-y at times for me, but there is some great stuff going on. Back in college, I transcribed AJ's bassline from the song "Teresa." Simple and elegant. That song also has one of the best bass solos I have ever heard. AJ does an incredible volume pedal solo at the end that almost sounds like a woodwind.

And the pick/flanger stuff on some of the Latin grooves is righteous!

frodebass · #20 04-12-2004, 06:21 PM

Hi!

Check out tony Lakatos "Different moods" on lipstick.
Has a great duo with Lakatos and AJ. Lots of great bass ideas!
What a fantastic chording approach he has. Not to mention his volume swells and muted thumb lines!

I saw him in Oslo twice. Once with Steve Khan and Dave Weckl. Boring tunes, and very anonym guitar playing, but AJ and DW were worth the ticket many times!!

Another time I saw him with a Dutch guitarist and Cornell Rochester on drums.
Not a together band, and AJ was clearly upset, often muttering irritatingly to himself when some of the other musicians messed up, or he missed a line....
Happily not many in the audience, cause that was a wierd gig!!!

Frode Berg