Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

January 11, 1952 in Los Angeles, CA

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Lee Ritenour is a renowned American jazz guitarist and composer who has been active in the music industry for over five decades. He was born on January 11, 1952, in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a guitarist and his mother was a singer, which inspired him to pursue a career in music. Ritenour started playing the guitar at the age of eight and was already performing in clubs by the time he was 16. He attended the University of Southern California and studied music, where he was mentored by jazz guitarist Joe Pass. He also played with other notable musicians such as saxophonist Stan Getz and pianist Sergio Mendes. In 1976, Ritenour released his debut album, "First Course," which featured a mix of jazz, funk, and rock. The album received critical acclaim and established him as a rising star in the jazz world. He followed up with several more successful albums, including "Captain Fingers" (1977), "The Captain's Journey" (1978), and "Rit" (1981). Throughout his career, Ritenour has collaborated with many other musicians, including Chick Corea, Dave Grusin, and Herbie Hancock. He has also worked as a session musician for numerous artists, including Steely Dan, Pink Floyd, and Dizzy Gillespie. One of Ritenour's most notable performances was at the 1986 Montreux Jazz Festival, where he played alongside jazz legends Miles Davis and Quincy Jones. He also performed at the 1991 White House Jazz Festival, where he played for President George H.W. Bush. Ritenour has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. He has been nominated for several Grammy Awards and has won one for his work on the album "Harlequin" (1985). He has also won several other awards, including the Gibson Guitar Lifetime Achievement Award and the Jazziz Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition to his work as a musician, Ritenour is also a producer and has produced albums for other artists, including Phil Perry and Patti Austin. He also founded the record label i.e. Music, which has released albums by other jazz musicians such as Dave Grusin and Bob James. Ritenour continues to perform and record music to this day. His most recent album, "Dreamcatcher," was released in 2020 and features collaborations with other musicians such as Kurt Elling and Dave Grusin. He also continues to tour and perform live shows, showcasing his virtuosic guitar playing and unique blend of jazz, funk, and rock. In conclusion, Lee Ritenour is a highly respected and influential jazz guitarist and composer who has made significant contributions to the music industry over the course of his career. His innovative style and virtuosic playing have earned him numerous awards and accolades, and his collaborations with other musicians have helped to shape the sound of jazz music. He continues to inspire and influence new generations of musicians with his music and his dedication to the art form.

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