Rio cover

Rio

Lee Ritenour · 1979

37 min · 7 tracks · jazz fusion

An effervescent blend of jazz and fusion that evokes sun-soaked Brazilian landscapes.

Why this album works

'Rio' is notable for its seamless integration of Brazilian rhythms into jazz, contributing to the growing popularity of jazz fusion during the late 1970s. The album received positive reviews from critics and helped to establish Ritenour as a significant figure within the genre, influencing subsequent artists who sought to blend jazz with world music elements.
Best for
steady rhythmic journey sun-soaked afternoon vibes immersive listening experience
Context
Released in 1979, 'Rio' was Lee Ritenour's fourth album and marked a significant step in his evolution as a jazz fusion artist. At this point, Ritenour was gaining recognition for his virtuosic guitar skills, having previously worked with prominent musicians and on successful projects such as 'Captain Fingers'. This album solidified his reputation in the genre while exploring vibrant Latin influences.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Rio Funk Standout 5:51
  • 2 San Juan Sunset Standout 5:30
  • 3 Rainbow 5:03
  • 4 A Little Bit of This and a Little Bit of That 5:38
  • 5 Simplicidad 5:20
  • 6 Ipanema Sol Standout 4:55
  • 7 It Happens Everyday 5:05

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata