Album: Rio

Introduction
"Rio" is an important jazz-fusion album by American guitarist, author, and manufacturer Lee Ritenour, launched in 1982. Often described as "Captain Fingers" due to his virtuosic guitar skills, Ritenour was currently an established figure in the world of jazz and contemporary music when he recorded "Rio". Understood for his remarkable work as a session/musician and solo artist, Ritenour had actually taken pleasure in substantial success in his previous releases, such as "Captain Fingers" (1977) and "Feel the Night" (1979). However, with "Rio", Ritenour took a significant brand-new direction in his music by integrating Brazilian noises and rhythms into his mixture of jazz, funk, and pop.

Recording and Production
Lee Ritenour recorded "Rio" over a two-month period in 1982, working with several legendary Brazilian musicians, including percussionist Paulinho Da Costa, drummer Alex Acuña, and pianist Don Grusin. The album was produced by Ritenour himself, who was also responsible for the structures, arrangements, and programming. The recording sessions happened at two different studios - Dawnbreaker Studios in California and Sound Labs in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The album's release was consulted with favorable evaluations and it went on to become an industrial success, reaching No. 10 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart.

Tracks and Musical Influences
The album "Rio" includes 9 tracks showcasing Ritenour's versatile guitar playing and his expedition of various Brazilian musical designs, varying from bossa nova to samba, together with his signature jazz, funk, and pop arrangements. The opening track, "Rainbow", sets the tone for the album with its intense and airy melody, driven by Ritenour's nylon-string guitar-playing and a subtle mix of Brazilian percussion. Other notable tracks consist of the upbeat "San Juan Sunset", the evocative "Rio Funk", and the dreamy "Simplicidad".

Throughout the album, one can hear the influence of legendary Brazilian artists such as Antonio Carlos Jobim, João Gilberto, and Milton Nascimento, who motivated Ritenour's own representation of Brazilian music during the making of "Rio". The music on the album is as much a reflection of Ritenour's appreciation for Brazilian culture as it is an exhibition of his spectacular guitar technique and imaginative method to genre-blending.

Teaming up Musicians
One of the predominant consider the album's success was Ritenour's cooperation with a series of enthusiastic and gifted Brazilian artists. Paulinho Da Costa's balanced competence and diverse percussion combination are featured in almost every tune, adding a distinctly Brazilian dimension to Ritenour's compositions. Likewise, the impact of drummer Alex Acuña, known for his work with Weather Report and other prominent jazz-fusion acts, can be felt in tracks like "San Juan Sunset" and "Rio Funk". Furthermore, Don Grusin's contributions on keyboards include depth and environment to songs like "Simplicidad" and "Asa Branca".

Legacy and Reception
"Rio" sits amongst Lee Ritenour's many popular and highly regarded works, solidifying his status as a flexible and ingenious modern guitarist. Critics applauded the album for its fusion of Brazilian music with jazz, funk, and pop plans while likewise singling out Ritenour's excellent guitar playing as a highlight. After the release of "Rio", Ritenour continued to collaborate with Brazilian artists and explore Latin-influenced music on albums like "Festival" (1988) and "A Twist of Jobim" (1997), additional sealing his affinity for and connection to Brazilian culture.

Overall, "Rio" remains a hallmark album in Lee Ritenour's remarkable catalog, showcasing his remarkable talents as a guitarist, author, and producer, while likewise lending his unique voice to the abundant tapestry of Brazilian music.