Fourplay

This is one of my husband and I favorite jazz groups each member is a complete artist in his own right and when they come together it sounds like heaven just opened up we never miss them when they are in the area looking forward to next year already!!!

Fourplay may be celebrating their 25th anniversary, but their performance was top notch and golden. Unexpected surprise guest Kirk Whalum was a perfect fit as a substitute for Chuck Leob who was under the weather. Group did not miss a beat. A perfect blend of the favorites we came to hear, Max-o-man and Bali Run, and new songs like Silverado kept them grooving for a little over two hours. The surprise manaquin challenge in the middle showed these dudes keep current to social trends but stay true to their sound. Without question, my favorite superband.

Another great experience at the Florida Theatre in Jacksonville with Fourplay. The group is awesome, their sound was great as always!

Fourplay was the bomb! The concert with Kirk Whalum was unexpected but awesome. I really enjoy the performance and would recommend it to everyone.

I purchased the tickets months ago but due bad weather the show was pushed back. Because of the schedule change, i could not attend the concert, but my friend who went in my place raved on and on about Fourplay. The quality of sound, style, and professionalism just overwhelmed her. This particular show Kirk Whalum was the guest replacement to Larry Carlton. The saxophone is her favorite instrument, but this night she became a true music lover.

I read on Fourplay's website that Larry Carlton had left the group to go solo and that his replacement was going to be Chuck Loeb -- Whoa! Chuck didn't make the performance and Fourplay's last minute sub was saxophonist Kirk Whalum -- Double Whoa! What an awesome performance!

Awesome performance! Great energy with such talented musicians. Would go see them again and tell friends and family to go to!

kirk whalum was the best on the stage, steating situation needs to be tweaked

I was full of anticipation as I stood in line at the Birchmere Monday afternoon, waiting to get the chance to see the legendary Fourplay in a concert that was postphoned in February due to the "Snowpocalypse" that hit the DC area. My anticipation was suddenly deflated when I heard that Larry Carlton was not going to playing. What? No Carlton? Bummer! But after sitting down and having a few drinks, I was pleasantly surprised to see Kirk Whalum onstage, "subbing" for Carlton. But how would they sound? Could the venerable saxman adequately fill in for the legendary guitar man? From the very first introduction and throughout the set, the audience was obviously thrilled at the substitution. Fourplay, whose current lineup consists of keyboardist Bob James, bassist Nathan East, guitarist Larry Carlton and drummer Harvey Mason, did not miss a beat and I ended up howling for an encore at the end of the set, and left satisfied from the good food, company and fantastic set. Good job guys...loved you Kirk!

Fourplay was at their best that I have seen them!!

Many fans only found out that Larry Carlton had left the group to be replace by Chuck Loeb on the night of this concert and Chuck could not make this show so there was no guitar. Fourplay without a guitar is like Threeplay, no Larry Carlton, and no Chuck Loeb. Boo! Fourplay did a good job trying to make the best of a less than ideal situation. The band was very limited in what they could do because of the absence of a guitar; many of the songs did not carry the same punch as the original tracks. Many fans left very disappointed even though they did add special guest Kirk Whalum. One fan put it like this "I came to see Fourplay not Fourplay featuring Kirk Whalum" the same fan went on to say "It almost sounds like a Kenny G concert". One thing is clear, now you see why they call a band a band, it a total group effort and when one part is missing, it's not a total effort. Too Bad Fourplay.

Genius times 4. I throughly enjoyed the evening. The birchmere is the perfect venue to see acts like this. Fourplay conveyed warmth and whimsy in their set, and did some great jammin. This was my first time seeing them, it won't be my last. Thanks for a great show!

The concert from beginning to end was outstanding. I've bought a lot of Four Play CDs, but until now, I've never heard them live. They were truly professional, and Kirk Whalum just added the topping on the concert. I think that they should play together more. Definitely, cut a CD. My wife and I really enjoyed the concert.

Fourplay, featuring Kirk Whalum ! One of the best performances I've seen recently. Unlike so many R&B based "Smooth Jazz " performers, these guys are real musicians who happen to be great jazz musicians. Each of these guys perform with such mastery and confidence while always listening to and being listened to by the others, that every tune is open to infinite possibilities. Colors shift, Ideas are tossed from player to player on the fly giving the whole performance a kind of depth that many out there today can't come close to. Yeah these guys can play smooth, but first they are great musicians who are very good at sharing their total joy in what they do with an audience.

Great music as always when you hear Fourplay, sorry about Larry Carlton not being there but Kirk Whalum more than made up for it.

Great sax .Missed the lead guitar.Of course Bob James wonderful piano. Great bassist, interesting vocals with the guitar. Could have been a little more crowd participation.

The show was great; Larry Carlton couldn't make it so they had Kirk Whalum to stand in for one time only. Bob James is still wonderful tickling the ivories. Nathan East has an amazing voice, and Harvey Mason tore those drums up. The concert was wonderful; I do hope that they travel back this way again with Larry Carlton. We would love to see Kirk Whalum come back and do another show too. The Birchmere is a nice venue to attend and here some jazz..

I was greatly disapointed the discover that guitarist, Larry Carlton, was not there. However, I am a huge Kirk Whalum fan, so it was a wonderful surprise to have him join the band. Still, I can imagine how disapointed the guitar fans must have been. All in all, a Great concert.

What a great combination...Kurk Whalem joining Fourplay! Phew!

I have been attended the Capitol Jazz Festival for several years. I am pleased to say they haven't let me down yet.

I have been a fan of Fourplay since my graduate. This is the band got me truly intrigued in the smooze jazz after Kenny G became so popular in Shanghai(China) - where I was born and raised. Jazz is the genre best explicit Shanghai, this most vibrant city in China and mix so well the culture crosses east to west. It was so exciting already when I found Fourplay's show in Seattle through Ticketmaster, my husband and I had a wonderful night at their last show in the Jazzalley, in fact now my husband also became a fan of Fourplay - it's kinda interesting that his Chinese wife(me) introduced him to this band who has been well-known for 2 decades in U.S.. Just the night before we were at a new restaurant in Tacoma, which they had this drink names "Between the Sheets", I wondered why the name sounds so familiar, that's right it's Fourplay's 1993 album title. Hey, they certainly have many admirers! We had a great chat with Nathan and Harvey after the show, they're wonderful, warm and charming artists, although we have to sort of "block" them in the hallway to the bathroom as no other place/time to have this contact (Hopefully the organizer would arrange something better in the future!); and too bad didn't get to meet Larry and Bob after the show. We certainly looking forward to another occassion we can enjoy this sensational band again, maybe in Shanghai as well?

We did not appreciate the substitution of Chaka Khan for Natalie Cole. Didn't even get the option of returning the tickets. Realize Natalie's cancellation was beyond their control, but we were still not happy campers. I don't think we'll be doing it again next year. Fourplay was a great show.

First time ever seeing Fourplay, Second time ever being to Jazz Alley. Fourplay was Awesome. This was Fourplay's first time ever being to seattle, so i decided to get tickets for my partner and me. I can't say it enough, the music was great. not only were they great at preforming, they had a blast with it. They made us laugh. I will definately get tickets to any Fourplay concerts that we would be able to go to in the future. Jazz Alley is a fantastic place. Not only for the fact that you can see great jazz concerts there, but they actually have great food. We spent around $160 in food and drinks. Appetizer, two entries, two desserts, and drinks. So not too bad. I had their pasta penne with sausage. The food was fresh, hot, and really filling. For dessert I had their Chocolate one... you know when you taste something for the first time, and you look at whoever you're with and you're eyes get really big and are like "oh my god, you need to have some of this!" this was one of those moments, it was so good. In this day and age, when we're bombarded by junk, and fast food, you just know when you get a taste of something that was not premade, that someone actually took time to prepare. Jazz Alley, i believe, is one of the 4 oldest running jazz clubs in the nation, and with my experiences there, i do believe that they will continue for a long time yet.

This years concert was a dissapointment. The replacement for Natalie Cole was a bad one. The line-up seems to of the same artists from previous years. Out of all the Jazz artistist or R&B artists, surely the line-up can be much better than it has been. The area in the woods is still disappointing year after year, especially after a rain. There was mud everywhere. There wasn't much of an effort to do anything about the mud. People weren't allowed reentry if they had to go back to their cars or leave for whatever reason. In the past, this was allowed. After the festival was moved from Bull Run, it has gone down hill ever since.

I wait all year for this event. This is the best concert in the DMV area.

I was a wonderful evening of Fourplay. The venue was superb

This year, the Capital Jazz Fest was awesome - and a bit sad wth the rememberance of the late Wayman Tisdale who performed in 2008. With the demise of smooth jazz radio on the airwaves, this concert is the only way to get your jazz fix in a tranquil setting. And, with 80 degree weather instead of 100 degree weather, it was truly a pleasure to just sit and enjoy Chaka Kahn, Fourplay, Will Downing, George Duke, Roy Ayres, Regina Bell, Marion Meadows, et. al.

Seats were Fantastic, show was fantastic. Had a fantastic evening. Will definitely be there next year.

the music was great each artist showed an example of what the people want to hear,

The night consist of Fourplay and Chaka Khan. Whatever do you need to know. Chaka could sing more, but the overall feel for the night was wonderful . It rained, but the music allowed you to forget about the weather. Besides, I was within the Pavilion.

Bob James, Chuck Loeb, Nathan East & Harvey Mason came to Atlanta & gave individual & collective stellar performances. This is a "Do Not Miss" event if they come to your city! Some stuff from the new album but enough of their "classics" to satisfy. A bargain at the price. These professionals make it look easy, especially the senior maestros. Bob & Nathan are completely simpatico! Watch for the piano/whistling collab......priceless!

This is my 8th KWJZ Jazz Festival. Every year brings a great line-up. The venue is fabulous, the crowd always friendly. I'll be back next year.

Wonderful bunch of studio pros who really light up the stage and have some fun! With Jazz Alley's great seating, you could tell this wasn't a stage face sort of joy. They really did have fun up there and it was wonderful. You could see any one of them headlining a show and feel like you got your money worth and more. But four of them... Jazz Alley...make this an annual concert like Tower of Power. They do a great job and it's wonderful music done well.

Bob, Nathan, Harvey and Kirk played out of their mind at The Berks Jazz Festival. Truly a solid sound and an excellent tribute to former member Chuck Loeb.

whats is there to say about these guys, Still on top of their game. the tribute to Loeb was very touching and his replacement with Whalum is perfect. Double Tree venue is awesome

Another outstanding performance by FOURPLAY, highlighted by the addition of Kirk Whalum! The special tribute to Chuck Loeb was outstanding!!!

Fourplay was amazing with the addition of Kirk Whalum for this concert. To have a wind instrument doing the strings part was excellent but Chuck Loeb guitar playing is truly missed.

We enjoyed the show. The guys played their hearts out and kept us engaged and entertained. The venue was the perfect size. Nice , nice show.

Bob James, Nathan East, Harvey Mason and Kirk Whalum, four of Jazz finest artist, great show, unforgettable.

This group puts on a great show. 4 of the Best in the Business. Well worth the ticket. They played for 2 hours and time flew by. Amazing talent and showmanship. We drove over 100 miles to go to the event and would do it again.

This performance was truly professional and one to remember.

The whole city of Reading PA, will breath Jazz music during the festival. Beside the amazing main concerts, you have several other musicians playing at local bars and restaurants so you will be listening to very good live music almost everywhere you go. I recommend spending a few days there to take the change to go to multiple concerts.

These guys are all amazing musicians individually, together they are awesome! Great smooth jazz. I enjoyed the entire set especially the selections from "Silver". Nathan East's whistling was great. "Freeze frame" was perfect. Thanks .

It was a concert to remember. What a performance!!

Great band, didn't get there early enough to get a decent seat :(

They are always at the top of their game. We walk away from each saying, can't wait to see them again. Bob James at 77 is the maestro. The communications between Nathan East, Chuck Loeb, Harvey Mason and Bob James is incredible.

Great performance! Acoustics in the Birchmere is superb!

Loved this very intimate concert. FourPlay added comic relief with stellar jazz music and great food at the Birchmere!!

We spent an evening with incredible musicians who enjoyed connecting with the audience.

We were not disappointed as they played all their hits and some of the new music from their silver anniversary CD which was on sale at the venue. We had a blast!

26 years and still going. (Chuck been with them 6; but still) they literally put me in a trance the entire show. Bob & Chuck were amazing; Nathan was the George Benson of the bass; unbelievable! Harvey; one of the most dynamic drummers today. Great show!

Great show. However, music selection could have been more. Would see it again.

The concerts are always 5 star. The Birchmere could improve the food.

We had an absolutely wonderful evening. We have seen Fourplay perform three times and it always feels like it was the first.....just awesome.

Best concert I've seen maybe EVER!! Loved every second of it!! All four were consummate professionals...supremely talented musicians...also, we got to meet each one of them after the show and get their autographs...I obviously can't say enough, except...watching them and listening to their music made me extremely HAPPY!!

I've been listening to FourPlay all my life & finally got the chance to see them perform, loved it!!

After all these years, this incredible team of four is still fantastic. What an experience to be surrounded by their music live. Hope to see them again .

Each artist was magnificent, but the pianist turned the piano into his own delectable "pulled pork" creation (and I'm a vegetarian)

These guys have amazing talent but we didn't enjoy their show as much as other events we've attended. Seemed like maybe they did a lot of improvising. Also the lighting was terrible. Not only were the lights flashed into the audience (too bright) but the stage lighting wasn't good.

Fourplay was fabulous! It is so obvious thT the group loves jazz and has fun playing together with great chemistry!

The show was great my husband n I took his sister n her husband, we had a great time. Highly recommend they were awesome

This was my sixth time seeing this allstar band and I wasn't disappointed. They came out right at 7pm and throughout their almost two hour show played the music that their fans came to hear. Just a terrific night of enjoying my favorite jazz group.

Never saw Fourplay perform live always listened to them on JJZ SMOOTH JAZZ. Live was the best. Real treat for the ear.

I absolutely LOVED it! I sure hope that they come back! Great music, great performance!

Before the band took the stage, we were trying to find the guitar rig, and wondered why so many vocal mics!?!? When the group hit the stage, it was obvious - no guitar player, and someone was playing flute and sax - huh?? Turns out Chuck Loeb was sick and standing in was - ready for this? - Kirk Whalum! OK, I can live with that! Great show, and the band obviously did some last minute re-arrangements of the songs due to instrumentation. Even Nathan East said "even we don't get to hear this every night" with a big smile on his face. The guys were OBVIOUSLY having a great time - it was almost as though the audience wasn't there and it was just a jam session with the players, can't beat that! Love the Carolina Theatre venue - small and up close, draws good group of people and easy parking.

There are not many things which can be shared as a common interest in a family, but let say that Fourplay is our family favorite one. The concert was absolutely unforgettable. We thoroughly enjoyed the performance. For those who will attend an event in the Carolina Theatre in future - The seats in the orchestra pit were located super close to the stage which was not quite good when you consider the proper sound stage imaging. We got a drums attack overwhelming the other instruments sound, which came from the rear due to the location of the speakers on the stage. Next time I would choose seats located a bit further away from stage.

I was very pleasantly surprised that Kirk Whalum filled in for a sick Jeff Loeb! While I wished Jeff Loeb a speedy recovery, I was delighted to see Kirk Whalum as a fill in!!!! Fourplay did not miss a beat and they played for 1.5 hours, but came back for an encore. Delightful show!

Great musicianship. Great tunes. Great fun. Really enjoyed the evening.

This is one of the best jazz show I have seem. Chuck Loeb was out sick, but his replacement was one of the greatest, Kirk Whalum. Fourplay is band full with the most magnificent talent of jazz musicians I have seem.

one of the best concerts i've seen by great mucisans

Most Excellent Concert\u2026.as good in person as on their recordings

These guys clearly enjoy their time on stage and put on a great performance. This was my first time seeing them and I would definitely go again. The Birchmere was a good place to see them since they were able to interact with the audience a lot. I would highly recommend both the group and the venue!

Stylized, playful, skillfull, and a great set to wrap up the 2015 tour. This was recorded on Sirius. It was just as good as the Acoustic Alchemny show at the Birchmere. The sound and acoustics in the room were fantastic! Nathan East is a superstar that nobody knows! Don't miss Fourplay when they swing through here next year.

For music in this class, it doesn't get any better.

Simply amazing to see those four jazz giants come together so seamlessly.

Fantastic. One of the best I've seen. A lot of fun. Casual and warm atmosphere. Felt connected to the artists. Also, got to talk to the artists at autographing session after the show

This was a great show. I have missed them the last few times they were in the area. I was not going to miss them this time. We shared a table with people from Fredricksburg and Richmond. This shows that people will travel to see these great musicians. This is a group you don't want to miss if they are in the area.

The group was Dynamite and the new CD is Awesome!!!

They were excellent, very entertaining. Good venue. It you are a Jazz fan, you should see them at least once in a moderate to small sized venue. They are classic.

The set was excellent from beginning to end. The chemistry between Bob, Nathan, Chuck and Harvey was obvious. It was as if they could read each others mind about the song they were playing. The audience appreciated every classic FourPlay song with yells and applause. When they introduced new music from their latest CD Silver, people paid close attention and were extremely impressed with the music. All in all, a GREAT show and I would definitely pay to see them perform again.

The show was excellent....and the seating was very intimate,,,,I could really hear the music clearly...especially the drummer Harvy.

I have seen these guys a number of times and they seem to get better and better. The show was amazing. My wife and I thought they were excellent.

Fourplay was the best concert ever, They are simply amazing.

Absolutely amazing!!!!! Perfect venue , acoustics were amazing .. Great show !!!!!!!!

What an amazing show. These (4) musicians put us in a "Smooth Jazz Trance". Their music was pure pleasure to listen to. Not too soft, not too loud, just right! They played together as group by listening to each other. Anyone who is a Jazz fan needs to see these guys in concert. This was my first chance to see them in person and am happy that I bought the tickets when I did. Obviously I'm now a big Fourplay fan...

Although I have several of their albums this was the first time to see Fourplay in person. Very memorable experience. The group is fantastic and you can tell they enjoy playing together. Top quality musicians and each is an accomplished artist in their own right. I could have listened to them for hours. Crowd loved them.

Long time fan of Fourplay. It was a blessing. Will go see them again anytime.

I've been along for the ride with the guys since inception. I have seen them over a dozen times, and have never been disappointed. However, the performance at the Berks was not the most entertaining show they've given me. They seemed to "dumb down" the show a little. In a more intimate, localized setting, they get funky, and actually groove off the audience, displaying the magic they can create as a Supergroup. The Berks seemed to be a somewhat bland, "Intro to Fourplay" set, designed to introduce themselves to an audience that may not really know them. Good, but they've done much better.

The performance by Foreplay was execellent. The cost of the tickets was fair. I fully enjoyed the show. Even dealing with ticket master when I needed to exchange tickets worked out very well.

These guys ROCK! They are UNBELIEVABLE! That was a hell of a LOT of music! It's hard to say which one I liked the best, they were so damn good. The bass player has such a beautiful, laid back presence, it's hard to take your eyes off him. The lead guitarist's fingers move incredibly quick and with such beauty. The pianist has an accomplished style that is beyond jazz worthy. And the drummer, what can I say? His talents are beyond words. FABULOUS.

From the first note to the last encore bow the show was outstanding. Each musician is masterful and it is obvious they have played together and know how each other reacts to improvisations. Can't say enough positive about the evening.

The hairlines may have changed but the music endures , Love it .

Incredible 2 hours pure jazz enjoyment!! Chuck Loeb is one of the best in the business along with Nathan East and Bob James. I'd see them again in a heartbeat.

Excellent show! I would recommend it to others. Hiroshima, Incognito and Fourplay were wonderful.

Easter 2015 Jazz Concert at Detroit's Fox Theatre featuring Fourplay, Incognito and Hiroshima was Simply Amazing. To have these three high caliber acts one ONE bill was AWESOME!!! They are ALL Still at the top of their game. My heartfelt gratitude to the individuals that put such a spectacular show together. Thank You!!!

I was floored with excitement! We had a great time and Incognito and Hiroshima sounded so wonderful live. Fourplay was awesome as well!!

This was the best concert ever! The artist interaction with the audience was great!

The combination of 4 Play, Hiroshima and Incognito on one billing were the ingredients for an excellent show. The mikes for the instruments were excellent but the voice mikes were not in sync with the instruments during the Incognito set. It was unfortunate, because I did catch some glimpses of great harmony, but the voices were lost for the most part.

Stelar lineup of musicians... konnichiwa, Hiroshima. Artistry in motion with clarity and beauty. Standing ovations to the comfort of sound. Incognito/Maysa omg. Profound word, Lyrical insruments, salsa, percussion/drums, vocals to the galaxies. Solid. Fourplay has immense chemistry. Mesmorizing vocals and precision timing. Good energy song choices kept audience in the groove that carried the night. Rare occasion.

One of the best shows I have seen in some time. I would recommend that if you get a chance to see either Foreplay or Incognito take it, they are both amazing. Meet a couple that flew into Detroit from LA to see them because they almost very play on the west coast. They said the trip was well worth it and must agree!