Lee Ritenour

Biography

Lee Ritenour, born January 11, 1952, in Los Angeles, California, is a Grammy-winning guitarist renowned for his work in jazz, jazz fusion, and smooth jazz. Picking up the guitar at age eight, Ritenour was already performing professionally by his teens, playing his first major session at just 16 with the Mamas and the Papas, who nicknamed him 'Captain Fingers' for his technical prowess. His early exposure to a vibrant Los Angeles music scene, combined with formal studies under classical guitarist Christopher Parkening at the University of Southern California, laid the foundation for a career marked by versatility and innovation.[2][6][8]

By the 1970s, Ritenour had become one of the most in-demand session guitarists in Los Angeles, contributing to more than 3,000 recordings across genres, including work with Steely Dan, Pink Floyd, Barbra Streisand, Aretha Franklin, and Quincy Jones. As a solo artist, he released over 40 albums, including the influential 'First Course' and 'The Captain's Journey.' Ritenour's collaborative spirit led to the formation of Fourplay in 1991 alongside Bob James, Nathan East, and Harvey Mason, a group that became a cornerstone of contemporary jazz. His projects often blend jazz with pop, rock, Brazilian, and funk influences, and he is celebrated for both his technical mastery and melodic sensibility.[2][6][8]

Ritenour's legacy is defined by his genre-crossing collaborations, his role in shaping the sound of contemporary jazz, and his mentorship of emerging guitarists through initiatives like the 6 String Theory Competition. His impact is reflected in numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award, 19 Grammy nominations, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian SJ Awards, cementing his status as one of the most influential guitarists of his generation.[2][3][8]

Fun Facts

• Lee Ritenour was nicknamed 'Captain Fingers' by the Mamas and the Papas for his extraordinary guitar dexterity as a teenager.
• He has played on more than 3,000 recordings as a session guitarist, including Pink Floyd's 'The Wall' and Steely Dan's 'Aja.'
• Ritenour's Tuesday night gigs at The Baked Potato in Los Angeles during the 1970s became legendary, often attracting music icons like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Joni Mitchell in the audience.
• He founded the international 6 String Theory Competition to nurture and spotlight emerging guitar talent worldwide.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Christopher Parkening - Classical guitar teacher at University of Southern California (Classical studies, influence on technique) [Early 1970s]
• Wes Montgomery - Stylistic influence; Ritenour cited him as a key jazz inspiration (Influence on jazz phrasing and tone) [1960s-1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Dave Grusin - Frequent collaborator; co-leader on albums and live performances (Harlequin, numerous albums on GRP label) [1980s-present]
• Bob James - Co-founder of Fourplay (Fourplay albums (1991-1994)) [1991-1994]
• Nathan East - Co-founder of Fourplay (Fourplay albums (1991-1994)) [1991-1994]
• Harvey Mason - Co-founder of Fourplay; session and live collaborator (Fourplay albums, live performances) [1991-1994]
• Patrice Rushen - Frequent collaborator in live bands and studio sessions (Live performances, studio recordings) [1970s-1980s]
• Ernie Watts - Band member in Ritenour's legendary Baked Potato sessions (Live performances) [1970s]
• Sergio Mendes - Touring guitarist; influence on Ritenour's Brazilian style (Touring, studio recordings) [1973]

Artists Influenced

• Andy McKee - Featured and mentored through the 6 String Theory Competition and album (6 String Theory (2010)) [2010]
• Joe Robinson - Introduced and promoted via 6 String Theory project (6 String Theory (2010)) [2010]
• Guthrie Govan - Featured on 6 String Theory, benefiting from Ritenour's mentorship and exposure (6 String Theory (2010)) [2010]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Is It You (Rit, Vol. 1)
2. I Can’t Let Go - Remastered (Color Rit (Remastered))
3. Dreamwalkin' (Along With Me) (Rit/2)
4. Get Up, Stand Up
5. Is It You? (Overtime)
6. Night Rhythms - Remastered (Festival (Remastered))
7. Night Rhythms - Remastered (Festival (Remastered))
8. Early A.M. Attitude (Harlequin)
9. Bahia Funk - Remastered (Color Rit (Remastered))
10. City Lights (feat. Lee Ritenour) (Another Long Night Out)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #crossover-jazz, #guitar-jazz, #guitar-virtuoso