One of many cases in which the critics and I don't agree. They loved this album when it was released because it wasn't commercial pop-jazz and Ritenour gave himself more room to stretch out and display his improv skills. That's all fine and good, unless you happen to enjoy commercial pop-jazz (which I do). And who says the two have to be mutually exclusive? Anyway, the main problem with this album is weak midtempo material that ends up running together after a while. I keep waiting for "Captain Fingers" to rip into something and live up to his nickname. I don't often visit this house; I usually go for Ritenour's Brazilian-flavored releases or his West Coast album, Rit.
Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: Did not chart
Tracks: There are a few tracks here I enjoy, including A Little Dolphin Dreamin' and Olinda. There's a slow cover of The Police's Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic (my favorite Police track) with vocals by the inimitable Michael McDonald. The thing is, I can't decide whether I like it or not. Somedays I'll hear it and love it; other days I'll think it's a hot mess and reach for the skip button. It's one of the few songs that effect me in that way.
Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None
Previously revisited for the blog:
Larry & Lee (1995)
Festival (1988)
Harlequin (1985)
On The Line (1983)
Out Of The Shadows (1982)
"Rit" (1981)
Rio (1979)
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