Fourplay - Yes, Please! (2000)

There are certain "givens" when purchasing a Fourplay album. Smooth, non-threatening, pop and R&B-inflected, groovy contemporary jazz. Mainly instrumentals with at least one vocal track contributed by a big-name artist and one or more other tracks with added vocal flavorings, usually in the form of rhythmic chanting. A clean, slick recording that is both polished and crisp. Bob James (piano), Nathan East (bass), Larry Carlton (guitar), and Harvey Mason (drums) have made their programmatic approach an art form, copied by countless contemporary jazz artists and envied by rival A&R types hoping to sell as many records as has this talented quartet (with either Lee Ritenour or Larry Carlton in the guitar chair). With respect to the basic Fourplay program, Yes, Please! does not disappoint. Yet, this album is a touch softer than previous releases and significantly more seductive, thus living up to the "fourplay/foreplay" double entendre. "Robo Bop" pulses to the repeated motif sounded in East's bass. "Blues Force" is a smoky temptress, with Carlton's guitar adding to the drama. James' keyboard fills romance "Go With Your Heart." "A Little Fourplay" is carried by guest artist Sheree's sexy vocals, Mason's drums, and some added R&B electronic kick in the mix. Those looking to set an after-hours mood with the one they love will say "yes, please" to this album. ~ Brian Bartolini