Lee Ritenour - Feel The Night (1979) 24-Bit/96-kHz Vinyl Rip

Released in 1979, “Feel the Night” belongs to a string of albums that definitely established Lee Ritenour as one of the world’s best and most sought after guitar players. All but one track are original jazz/fusion instrumentals written by Ritenour and Don Grusin and perfectly played by the guitar superstar with strong support from the usual suspects. Among the cast of session aces are keyboardists like David Foster, Joe Sample and Dave Grusin with Steve Gadd and Abe Laboriel driving the pulsing rhythm section. The tracks are representative of the best fusion music of the seventies with appealing melodies, complex arrangements and immense musicianship. Foster appears on four songs including a classy cover of Leo Sayer’s “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing,” the only vocal moment. Arranged by Foster with Gadd, Laboriel and Ritenour, “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” sports a joyous upbeat arrangement that underscores a wonderful vocal performance by the legendary Patti Austin and the amazing guitar work by Mr. Ritenour.
“Feel the Night” starts with the energetic title track that immediately puts the spotlight on Rit’s amazing guitar plus Ernie Watts’ saxophone solos and Foster’s
work on the fender rhodes and clavinet. “Market Place” is another powerful Ritenour original and one of the highlights of the album. It showcases another of Rit’s incredible guitar solos with Foster and Don Grusin sharing keyboard duties along with Steve Lukather’s rhythm guitar. It needs to be pointed out that most of the songs are embellished by smoking horns arranged by Jerry Hey and Larry Williams of Seawind fame. “Feel The Night” is a musical tour de force and marks another excellent chapter in Ritenour’s outstanding career.
( by Leo Sayer & Vini Poncia )

Musicians:
Electric Guitars: Lee Ritenour
Fender Rhodes: Don Grusin
Acoustic Piano: David Foster
Drums: Steve Gadd
Bass: Abraham Laboriel
Rhythm Guitar: Steve Lukather
Lead Vocal: Patti Austin
Vocals: Tom Bahler
Horns: Jerry Hey, Chuck Findley, Gary Grant, Bill Reichenbach, Lou McCreary, Larry Williams

Track Listing:

A1. Feel The Night
A2. Market Place
A3. Wicked Wine
B1. French Toast
B2. You Make Me Feel Like Dancing
B3. Midnight Lady
B4. Uh Oh!