Growing up in L.A. in the 60's, Grammy award-winning guitarist Lee Ritenour received a rich cross section of exposure to jazz, rock, and Brazilian music. From one of his first sessions at 16 with the Mamas and Papas to accompanying Lena Horne and Tony Bennett at 18, his forty-year eclectic and storied career is highlighted by a Grammy Award win for his 1986 collaboration with Dave Grusin, Harlequin, 17 Grammy nominations, numerous #1 spots in guitar polls, and the prestigious "Alumnus of the Year" award from USC. 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.

The depth of jazz has remained with me my whole life. I played a lot of different types of music. Most people probably call me a jazz player, but even when I was a studio player, I was a chameleon. I play anything. I love the power and intensity of the rock mixed in with the sophistication of the jazz.*

Ritenour was a founding member of Fourplay, the most successful band in contemporary jazz, with keyboardist Bob James, bassist Nathan East, and drummer Harvey Mason. The first Fourplay album spent an unprecedented 33 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's contemporary jazz chart.

* washingtontimes.com