Collection
Lee Ritenour · 1991
66 min · 13 tracks · jazz
A smooth blend of jazz fusion and soft rock, featuring intricate guitar work and rich instrumental textures.
Top tracks — play these first
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Early A.M. Attitude (feat. Dave Grusin) Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its vibrant melody and seamless interplay between guitar and piano, exemplifying Ritenour's signature style.
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Rio Funk — With its infectious groove and rhythmic complexity, this track showcases Ritenour's ability to fuse diverse musical influences into cohesive compositions.
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Dolphin Dreams — This piece stands out for its dreamy atmosphere and melodic intricacy, highlighting Ritenour's skillful guitar work against lush arrangements.
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24th Street Blues (live) — As a live recording, this track captures the energy of Ritenour's performance style, blending improvisation with tight ensemble playing.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases solid compositions with skilled performances but lacks standout moments that elevate it beyond its genre.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of smooth jazz guitar melodies layered over intricate rhythmic patterns, creating a relaxed yet engaging atmosphere.
- Several tracks incorporate prominent keyboard and brass elements, adding depth and texture to the instrumental arrangements.
- The first half of the album maintains an upbeat tempo, while the second half introduces slower, more contemplative pieces that shift the overall mood.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- smooth grooves for relaxation
- ideal for afternoon gatherings
- inviting melodies for socializing
- uplifting rhythms for positivity
- playful instrumental explorations
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced tracks
- seek aggressive energy levels
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A compilation album that showcases Ritenour's work without being a primary entry point.
- Career context
- By 1991, Lee Ritenour had established himself as a prominent figure in jazz fusion following his successful albums in the 1980s. 'Collection' serves as a retrospective, showcasing his versatility through previously released tracks alongside new recordings. This album arrived shortly after his acclaimed 'Capricorn' and highlights Ritenour's evolution as both a guitarist and composer.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Larry Carlton· Pat Metheny· Al Di Meola
Tracklist
- 1 Early A.M. Attitude (feat. Dave Grusin) Start here 4:59
- 2 Rio Funk 5:08
- 3 Night Rhythms 4:32
- 4 White Water 5:02
- 5 San Ysidro 4:59
- 6 Asa 5:22
- 7 Dolphin Dreams 5:09
- 8 Is It You? 4:25
- 9 24th Street Blues (live) 5:24
- 10 Latin Lover 6:17
- 11 The Sauce 4:23
- 12 Malibu 4:47
- 13 Waltz for Carmen (live) 6:23
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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