Album: Portrait

Introduction
"Portrait" is an album released in 1987 by renowned American jazz guitarist Lee Ritenour. Extremely respected in the world of jazz, Ritenour has actually attained an extensive profession spanning over 4 years, launching more than 30 albums and collaborating with several noted musicians. "Portrait" is a testimony to Ritenour's abilities as an author, manufacturer, and guitar player, showcasing his exceptional versatility and skill in blending different musical categories including jazz, pop, and Brazilian noises.

Background
After the success of his 1986 album, "Earth Run", Lee Ritenour returned to the studio with his sights set on creating a more varied and intrinsically personal record. The album's title "Portrait" mentions the concept of providing a musical self-portrait that includes different elements of Ritenour's personality and musical influences. The outcome was a spectacular mix of contemporary jazz, pop tunes, and nods to Brazilian music, producing an unique and memorable listening experience for fans and new listeners alike.

Album Composition
"Portrait" features an overall of nine tracks, each showcasing its unique color and mood. The album's opener, "Bahia Funk", is identified by its groovy, bass-driven melody and irresistible dance rhythm, setting the tone for an electrifying album experience. Following this energetic start, listeners are treated to numerous more elaborate and atmospheric structures such as "Rainbow", "Asa", and "Odyssey".

Ritenour's structures and plans within the album display his proficiency of mixing various musical designs. One prime example is the track "Turn the Heat Up", which fuses a conventional jazz structure with R&B-influenced vocals and energetic keyboard work by contemporary jazz maestro Bob James.

Another standout element of "Portrait" is Ritenour's incorporation of Brazilian music in the kind of structures and collaborations with prominent Brazilian artists. "Asa" is a beautiful ballad composed by Brazilian musician and actor Djavan, including his unmistakable vocals alongside Ritenour's guitar mastery. In addition, Brazilian jazz pianist and author Ivan Lins lends his special touch to the captivating track "Harlequin", co-written by Lins and Ritenour.

Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Portrait" received prevalent praise from critics and fans for its smooth combination of different categories and Ritenour's extraordinary musicianship. The album was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical, additional sealing its status as a finely crafted and skillfully produced work of art.

The album's influence has actually left a long lasting impression on future generations of jazz artists, with a number of its songs ending up being staples in Ritenour's live performances. Additionally, the collaborative nature of "Portrait" led the way for Ritenour's later jobs, most significantly the star-studded "GRP All-Star Big Band" in 1992.

Conclusion
In summary, "Portrait" is an ageless work of art that completely encapsulates the numerous aspects of Lee Ritenour's personality and musical expertise. The album effortlessly blends together several musical genres, creating a special and genre-defying listening experience. Lee Ritenour's skill for composing, arranging, and carrying out exceptional music continues to influence and captivate listeners, making "Portrait" an important album in any jazz lover's collection.