Album: Stolen Moments

Introduction
"Stolen Moments" is a jazz album released by guitar player Lee Ritenour in 1990. This album, including an excellent lineup of guest artists, showcased Ritenour's transition from his pop-oriented smooth jazz style to a more standard jazz approach. The album consists of both original structures and covers of timeless jazz standards, reflecting Ritenour's versatility and comprehensive musical interests. In this summary, we will explore the key elements of this album that make it a standout work in Ritenour's substantial discography.

Album Production and Lineup
"Stolen Moments" was produced by Lee Ritenour and Harvey Mason, the latter being an accomplished jazz drummer who co-produced a lot of Ritenour's projects throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. Taped mainly at Hollywood's famous Ocean Way Studios, the album includes an outstanding lineup of jazz artists, consisting of Ernie Watts and John Pattitucci. Several of the visitor artists on the album, such as pianist Alan Broadbent and saxophonist Ernie Watts, were Grammy winners or had formerly teamed up with popular jazz artists, reinforcing the talent pool put together for this task.

Track List and Style
The album includes eleven tracks and has a running time of just over an hour, using a variety of jazz styles and compositions. Included are both brand-new structures and covers of jazz requirements penned by famous figures such as Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, and Oliver Nelson. The track list is as follows:

1. Uptown
2. Stolen Moments
3. 24th Street Blues
4. Haunted Heart
5. Waltz For Carmen
6. St. Bart's.
7. Blue In Green.
8. At some point Ago.
9. Water To Drink (Agua De Beber).
10. 4 On 6.
11. Children's Games.

The album opener, "Uptown", is an original composition by Ritenour, demonstrating his skills as an author and arranger. Its upbeat, swinging rhythm showcases the whole ensemble, with Ritenour's guitar playing a main function. On the other hand, the title track "Stolen Moments" is a cover of Oliver Nelson's classic composition, including rich arrangements and a more subdued tone. The album also consists of a range of different jazz styles, ranging from blues and swing to bossa nova and more introspective pieces like "Haunted Heart".

Crucial Reception
"Stolen Moments" was met with positive evaluations and appreciation from jazz critics and fans alike. Critics appreciated Ritenour's return to his jazz roots and the album's diverse selection of tracks. In specific, his cover of timeless jazz requirements was commended; Ritenour's plans and the performances by the ensemble displayed a respect and understanding of the initial compositions, while still bringing fresh interpretations to the table.

Tradition and Influence
"Stolen Moments" marked a turning point in Lee Ritenour's career. As a departure from his pop-infused smooth jazz of the previous years, the album signaled his commitment to checking out more standard jazz designs. This decision permitted Ritenour to solidify his status as one of the premier jazz guitarists of his time, and his work on "Stolen Moments", in specific, stays beloved by fans and critics. The album stands as a crucial milestone in Ritenour's profession and functions as a pointer of his ever-evolving talent and enthusiasm for developing music that spans generations and defies genres.