Portrait
Lee Ritenour · 1987
44 min · 10 tracks · jazz
Smooth jazz intertwines with intricate guitar work, creating a lush soundscape that flows effortlessly across the album's tracks.
Top tracks — play these first
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ASA Start here — Opening with an infectious groove, this track exemplifies Ritenour's signature blend of melody and rhythm while featuring intricate guitar solos that set the tone for the album.
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Children's Games — This piece showcases Ritenour's ability to weave playful melodies into complex arrangements, delivering both technical prowess and an approachable sound that appeals broadly.
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Portrait — The title track captures the essence of the album with its lyrical guitar lines and emotive harmonies, reflecting Ritenour’s artistic vision and mastery in composition.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate compositions and solid production, making it a notable entry in smooth jazz.
What we noticed
- The album features intricate guitar solos that are often layered with smooth synth pads, creating a lush soundscape.
- Each track maintains a consistent mid-tempo groove, with rhythmic variations that keep the listener engaged throughout.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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
- steady flow for focused listening
- intricate guitar work appreciation
- smooth grooves for relaxed moments
- melodic subtleties to explore
- vibrant tapestry of sound
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone hit tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Beloved for its sophisticated compositions and smooth jazz appeal.
- Career context
- Released in 1987, 'Portrait' came during Lee Ritenour's prolific period as a jazz fusion guitarist. This album followed his successful works in the early '80s, including 'Rit.' and marked his continued exploration of melodic jazz while collaborating with various renowned artists.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Larry Carlton· Pat Metheny· Al Di Meola
Tracklist
- 1 ASA Start here 5:21
- 2 Turn the Heat Up 4:00
- 3 Windmill 4:20
- 4 White Water 5:01
- 5 Portrait 4:29
- 6 G-Rit 3:31
- 7 Shades in the Shade 4:30
- 8 Children's Games 4:22
- 9 Runaway 4:43
- 10 Route 17 4:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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