Lee Ritenour & La Crema Pinot Noir

Lee Ritenour grew up up in L.A. in the 60's, where he received a rich cross section of exposure to jazz and rock music. At sixteen years of age, he sessioned with the Mamas and the Papas, Lena Horne, and Tony Bennett Between the age of16 and 18. he sessioned with the Mamas and Papas, Lena Horne, and Tony Bennett. Over his forty year career, he’s had 17 grammy nomination, one grammy for a collaboration with Dave Grusin, and numerous #1 spots in guitar polls. He has recorded over 40 albums, with 35 chart songs, notably the Top 15 hit "Is It You," which has become a contemporary jazz radio classic. One of my favorites of all his endeavors is his work with the smooth jazz group Fourplay where he was joined by keyboardist Bob James, bassist Nathan East and drummer Harvey Mason. The first Fourplay album in 1991 spent an unprecedented 33 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's contemporary jazz chart. His music is some of the most listenable that I’ve heard, so I’ll just shut up and let you listen.


Night Rhythms: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmsmtF9wMjc

Papa was a rolling stone: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUu0DNPlv5Y

Rio Funk: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egLK5UqepHE&feature=related

Panther with Marcus Miller & George Duke: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUzu-5UcN-s&feature=related

With Larry Carleton: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfchN7G-oQk

Is it you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b55nuG3dJCw

A little bumpin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtDHPZfwds0&feature=related  

Boss City: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V00yHcFt-lg&feature=related

Wes Bound: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Eb1JKpGovw&feature=related

Stolen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKUib280fsU&feature=related

Water’s Edge: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpqQ7RagwOk&feature=related

Forget me nots: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nm6TWYWqV20&feature=related

Zurich Jazz festival: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uj1ZZYhrGA&feature=related

Smoke & Mirrors with Dave Grusin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvCxyCO-lhI&feature=related

Here today, here tomorrow: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3ZIKW49ARU&feature=related

With Brian Bromberg: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bU5ETB2YHCE&feature=related

With Steve Lukather: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyWhpFN9o38&feature=related

And for a classy guitarist like Lee, I recommend a La Crema 2007 Pinot Noir ($18.00). La Crema is a light ruby colored wine with a bouquet of black cherry and a hint of cola. On the palate, it’s medium bodied with very nice balance and smooth mouthfeel. The flavor are a delicious blend of strawberry and raspberries with lively acidity. The finish is dry and lingers for quite some time. Kick back and relax to Lee’s music while you enjoy a bottle of La Crema Pinot Noir. You’re gonna like it!

Cheers!