Lee Ritenour: The Virtuoso of Jazz Fusion Guitar

Lee Ritenour is an American guitarist and composer whose prolific career has defined the sound of jazz fusion, smooth jazz, and pop for over five decades. Hailing from Los Angeles, California, his technical mastery and melodic sensibility have fueled a remarkable catalog, including the 1981 smash album Rit, which achieved gold certification and launched the Grammy-nominated hit "Is It You."

Early career

Born in 1952 in Los Angeles, Ritenour's professional journey began astonishingly early, with a session for The Mamas & the Papas at age sixteen. His formidable chops and versatile style quickly made him a first-call studio musician in the 1970s, contributing to records by legends like Pink Floyd, Steely Dan, and Sonny Rollins. His solo debut, First Course, arrived in 1976 on Epic Records, immediately establishing his blend of jazz, funk, and Brazilian rhythms.

Breakthrough

Ritenour's commercial breakthrough came in 1981 with the release of Rit on Elektra Records. The album's sleek fusion of jazz, pop, and R&B resonated widely, climbing the Billboard charts and earning a gold record. Its success was driven by the sophisticated instrumental "Mr. Briefcase" and the vocal single "Is It You," featuring Eric Tagg, which became a staple on radio and music video channels.

Key tracks

Is It You — This signature 1981 single merged smooth jazz with pop vocals, becoming Ritenour's most recognizable song and a permanent fixture on quiet storm radio formats.

Captain Fingers — The title track from his 1977 album is a fiery, funk-driven instrumental showcase that cemented his reputation as a guitar hero with impeccable technique.

Wes Bound — A standout from his 1993 tribute album to Wes Montgomery, this track highlights Ritenour's deep roots in and reverence for straight-ahead jazz guitar tradition.

Night Rhythms — This 1990 smooth jazz radio hit exemplifies his talent for crafting infectious, melody-forward compositions that dominated the genre's airwaves.

Rio Funk — From his 1979 album Feel the Night, this song perfectly illustrates his early and enduring incorporation of Brazilian musical textures into his fusion sound.

Throughout the 1980s and 90s, Ritenour remained a dominant force, founding the jazz group Fourplay with Bob James in 1991 and releasing a series of acclaimed albums on the GRP label. His career is marked by constant exploration, from straight-ahead jazz projects like his Wes Bound tribute to world music endeavors and continued collaborative work. He has received 19 Grammy nominations, winning in 1985 for his collaboration with Dave Grusin on "Early A.M. Attitude."

Fans of Lee Ritenour's polished guitar work and fusion explorations also enjoy the music of Bob James, his Fourplay bandmate known for sophisticated jazz and funk keyboards. Larry Carlton shares Ritenour's history as a legendary LA session guitarist and a smooth jazz pioneer. The intricate compositions of Pat Metheny offer another dimension of jazz guitar innovation and melody. For the funk-infused side of his playing, George Benson provides a similar blend of virtuosic playing and accessible vocal tunes.

Lee Ritenour's extensive catalog is a fixture on smooth jazz, fusion, and classic rock FM stations, ensuring his sophisticated guitar lines and melodic hits remain in constant rotation. His music bridges decades, appealing to listeners who appreciate technical excellence within accessible, genre-blending arrangements.

You can hear the timeless jazz fusion and smooth jazz of Lee Ritenour on dedicated radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover his classic tracks and influential sound through our curated online radio streams.