Chuck Loeb The New Guitarist For Fourplay As Larry Carlton Departs
The smooth jazz supergroup Fourplay has announced that Chuck Loeb has joined the band as Larry Carlton has departed to delve further into his solo career. Loeb is the third guitarist for the band, following Carlton and original member Lee Ritenour.
Loeb, who studied with Jim Hall and Pat Metheny, was in famed saxophonist Stan Getz’s band for two years, recorded with the band Steps Ahead, and today remains an in-demand songwriter and producer. He has released 16 solo CDs, including his latest titled Between 2 Worlds. His many smooth jazz hit singles include “Window of the Soul,” “Good to Go,” “Just Us,” “The Music Inside,” “Sarao,” “Cruzin’ South,” “Tropical” and “Blue Kiss.”
Loeb is also part of a jazz-fusion band called Metro, which will be making its Berks Jazz Fest debut next month.
“Chuck’s musical contributions will undoubtedly enhance the creativity and pursuit of excellence Fourplay has enjoyed in the studio and on the stage,” said Fourplay manager Sonny Abelardo in a statement.
Carlton replaced Ritenour in 1998. “The band extends their heartfelt gratitude for his contributions and wishes him continued success in all his pursuits,” said Abelardo. “Larry Carlton will remain an integral part of our musical family and legacy.”
Fourplay was co-founded by Ritenour, as well as current member Bob James on keyboards, Nathan East on bass and Harvey Mason on drums. The band has released 11 studio CDs, including its latest, Energy, which includes the Grammy-nominated smooth jazz hit “Fortune Teller.” Among the band’s best-known songs are “Max-O-Man,” “101 Eastbound,” “Chant,” “Bali Run,” “Fields of Gold” and “Play Around It.” Seven of its CDs have hit No. 1 on Billboard’s contemporary jazz chart.
“Fourplay thanks its many loyal fans,” says Abelardo, “and promises that this latest incarnation will inspire the band to explore new avenues of creativity while maintaining its core musical values.”