Lee Ritenour - Rit/2 (1982)

Note: this release was originally purchased as an LP, later replaced by a CD.

Add this album to the list of albums that I didn't remember playing much back in the '80s, but when I bought the CD several decades later, I knew every word and solo. Ostensibly a sequel album to 1981's Rit, it comes pretty dang close to being just that. More adult-oriented, soft pop with just a pinch of jazz in the same vein as Jarreau and George Benson around that time. Eric Tagg again handles the lead vocal duties and is supported by familiar names such as Nathan East, Bill Champlin, Tom Scott, Don Grusin, Jerry Hey, Jeff Porcaro, Harvey Mason, and the guys from Pages.

Around this time, Ritenour was playing in different genres, playing pop vocal tunes like these (Rits 1 & 2, Banded Together), trying to bring contemporary Brazilian sounds (MPB) into American smooth jazz (Rio, Harlequin, Festival), as well as instrumental smooth jazz (Friendship, On The Line, Alphonse Mouzon's Morning Sun). All this while being a first-call session musician. This particular album usually doesn't merit mention among all that activity, but I like the thing and am happy to rediscover it after all these years.

Album chart Peaks:

• US Billboard 200: #99
• Billboard Jazz: #5
• Billboard R&B: #53
• CashBox: #113
• CashBox Jazz: #4
• Radio & Records Jazz Radio National Airplay: #9

"guitar supremo"

Tracks: The first single was Cross My Heart (#69 pop) and track 4, Keep It Alive, was later released as a single as well. I don't remember ever hearing either of those tunes on the radio, but they evidently got plenty of play at my place. The album includes the ballad Dreamwalkin' which vocalist Eric Tagg would use as the title track to his 1982 Japan-only release. Also, track 6, Tied Up, was recorded by Olivia Newton-John and used as a single (#38 pop) from her 1983 compilation, Olivia's Greatest Hits Vol. 2. Those four cuts are definitely some of the top tracks here, along with Promises Promises and the quiet album closer, Malibu. The only track to avoid is On The Boardwalk, an instrumental in which someone made the poor decision to pair electric jazz guitar with wordless vocals from a children's choir.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None

Previously revisited for the blog:

Amparo (2008)	Festival (1988)
Rit's House (2002)	Harlequin (1985)
This Is Love (1998)	On The Line (1983)
Larry & Lee (1995)	"Rit" (1981)
Stolen Moments (1990)	Rio (1979)