Album: Harlequin

Introduction
"Harlequin" is a critically well-known contemporary jazz album launched in 1985 by the renowned guitar player Lee Ritenour. Understood for his flexible playing style, Ritenour skillfully combines elements of pop, rock, and jazz in his compositions. The album features a collaboration with Brazilian jazz pianist, composer, and arranger Dave Grusin as well as a remarkable lineup of talented artists such as Abraham Laboriel, Alex Acuña, and Ivan Lins.

Background and Production
"Harlequin" was taped at the famous Sunset Sound studios in Los Angeles and at The Complex studios. The album was produced by Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin, both understood for their premium production requirements. Ritenour and Grusin's collaboration is often described as 'Rit and Grusin' in the music scene. Their partnership can be traced back to the early 1970s when Ritenour played along with Grusin in a number of jazz-fusion projects. The wonderful collaboration between the two continued in the following years, resulting in the formation of the GRP Records label in the early 1980s.

One noteworthy element of the album is its use of LinnDrum, an electronic drum device, rather of live percussion. Nevertheless, the music never feels synthetic or sterilized, mostly due to the exceptional musicianship of the artists included. Ritenour and Grusin show a high level of ability and professionalism, leading to a distinct fusion of Brazilian and modern jazz elements.

Album Composition
"Harlequin" consists of 9 tracks, featuring both crucial and vocal performances. The album kicks off with "Mountain Dance", an upbeat critical jazz piece that sets the stage for the exhilarating musical journey the audience will experience. Dave Grusin impresses with his piano work as Ritenour's guitar tone perfectly matches the track's intricate rhythms.

The title track, "Harlequin", features Ivan Lins, one of Brazil's most celebrated artists, who brings a genuine Brazilian taste to the album. His smooth vocals draw the listener in as he sings harmoniously with the music.

"Beyond the Storm", the album's 3rd track, reveals Ritenour's proficiency of mixing the acoustic guitar with electronic synthesizers to develop a sound that's both effective and calming. Other standout tracks consist of "Cats of Rio", a positive bossa nova-infused tune featuring Grusin on piano and "Early A.M. Attitude", which showcases Ritenour's passion for jazz.

An extra gem on this album is "Grid-Lock", a crucial track that integrates synthesizers with live brass, highlighting Ritenour's creative vision in combining various instruments and components.

Legacy and Reception
Upon its release, "Harlequin" was extensively praised by critics for its ingenious fusion of Brazilian and contemporary jazz affects, and it is still considered among the vital albums in Lee Ritenour's discography. It also assisted establish Ritenour and Grusin as leading figures in the contemporary jazz scene.

The album's impact persists to this day, as aiming guitar players and pianists continue to study and admire the distinct compositions and arrangements present in "Harlequin". Furthermore, the album's success sealed the collaboration in between Ritenour and Grusin, leading them to work together on numerous tasks in the years to come.

In conclusion, "Harlequin" demonstrates the fantastic collaboration between two of the best jazz musicians, Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin. The album supplies a fascinating and enduring musical experience that has actually stood the test of time, making it a necessary addition to any jazz lover's collection.