Fourplay's newest another solid effort

Fourplay, the smooth jazz supergroup, gets critically slammed as much as it does praised. That's because many jazz critics can't stand the band's laid-back vibe. And assuredly, these guys can all play their asses off. It's just that in this setting they seldom choose to. Bob James is simply one of the best pianists in jazz and has been for many years. Harvey Mason is a dynamic drummer, at home in any situation. If it's versatility you're looking for, bassist Nathan East has earned plaudits in jazz and rock alike, from Eric Clapton to Johnny Mathis, Kenny Rogers to Kenny Loggins. And new member Chuck Loeb has been a mainstay of the jazz scene for years as well, first coming to notice with Stan Getz, later Steps Ahead and most recently for his own discs.

On their new disc, Let's Touch the Sky, the four create a bumper crop of melodic jazz. Great songs, nimbly played. James is deft and though usually in the spotlight, never overshadows his companions. East's bass sets the tone, while Mason's drums are solid and his cymbals add just the right accents. Loeb's guitar fits right in the pocket. The singers - Ruben Studdard, Anita Baker, and East - are adequate but truthfully mostly superfluous. Having guest singers has been a Fourplay tradition, but they're hardly ever necessary. The real stars are the songs. As always, there are contributions from every member of the band, with James's gentle "Golden Faders" and Loeb's "3rd Degree" among the highlights. Sunny, enjoyable stuff.