Lee Ritenour - Sugar Loaf Express (1977) [Hi-Res]

Review by Scott Yanow

In 1977-78, Lee Ritenour recorded three sets for the Japanese JVC label which have each been reissued on CDs. Although the liner notes say that, for contrast, the guitarist teamed up with some of the top East Coast studio players, the date was recorded in Burbank and most of the musicians would eventually move to L.A. With suitably funky playing by guitarist Eric Gale (who works well with Rit), keyboardist Patrice Rushen, bassist Abraham Laboriel, drummer Harvey Mason and percussionist Steve Forman, Ritenour performs six somewhat lightweight numbers, best-known of which is "Sugar Loaf Express." The musicians play well on this direct-to-disc session but show little individuality or willingness to take chances.