Jazz fusion doyens Dave Grusin and Lee Ritenour let rip with style at Ronnie’s

Pianist Dave Grusin may have just celebrated his ninetieth birthday, but his music still retains a vibrant youthful energy. This impressive longevity is, in no small part, sustained by his longstanding friendship and ongoing musical association with guitarist Lee Ritenour. Grusin and Ritenour’s recently released album Brasil, the latest of a long line of joint projects, clearly pays tribute origins of their collaboration: Ritenour was just a 19-year-old guitarist in Sergio Mendes’ Brasil 66 when he first met Grusin, and these Latin and jazz fusion sounds have been central to their musical journey over the past fifty years (and counting).

Naturally, original compositions and covers from the new album dominated the setlist. They kicked off with a slow-tempo duet that showcased Ritenour’s delicate fingerpicking style and Grusin’s harmonic sensitivity. They soon shifted up a gear, the whole band joining for an intense rendition of Tom Jobim’s ‘Stone Flower’ which was driven by Ritenour’s glassy Santana-like guitar phrasing. ‘For the Palms’ was a slow lyrical ballad in 3/4, whilst ‘Vitoriosa’ was built around catchy pop-inspired vocal harmonies. Grusin also performed some solo piano music, including a bluesy piece he had originally composed for the soundtrack of Sydney Pollack’s 1993 The Firm.

The band performing alongside the two elder jazz musicians was fantastic. Gregoire Marét on harmonica added a bright timbre and a wonderful sense of melody to each of the tracks, and his subtle vibrato and microtonal scoops on the slower numbers were especially effective. Tatiana Parra’s vocals were elegant and precise, and drummer Wesley Ritenour achieved a laid-back Latin feel with each groove.

A special mention must be given to electric bassist Munir Hossn who was simply phenomenal. Blessed with ridiculously fast chops, a killer sense of rhythm, and a slap tone that exudes a sense of fun, his solos were truly a marvel. Midway through the set, Ritenour quite literally threw the towel in at the bassist, a moment that captured the balance of humour and virtuosity of the evening.

Despite having played together for over 50 years, it is impressive that Grusin and Ritenour are continuing to find new and inventive ways to collaborate.