I figure anyone can review a new CD, (Martin, the blog usurper here again) so I thought I’d revisit an old friend.  Who knows, I might review a few of these old friends.    This time around I thought I’d talk about one of my favorite Jazz CD’s, Color Rit.  I bought this CD when it first came out almost 20 years ago.  It’s aged really well.

I like Jazz of most varieties, but some of the stuff that you hear, while pleasant enough background music, is really kind of, well, boring.  Some of the “Smooth Jazz” that’s touted so much is often indistinguishable from elevator music.  I figure if I can’t tell one group/artist/song from another, the music isn’t really all that potent.

This CD and artist are instantly recognizable for me.  They were from the moment I first heard them.  If you have a craving for crisp sharp, clean guitar that will loosen the wax in your ears, this CD is for you.  It’s safe to say the Ritenour is a virtuouso guitar player.  This CD shows that talent off.  There are number of Brazilian (I think) influences in the music and some funky vocalists, but it’s the guitar work that really shines.  The first piece on the CD, Bahia Funk, sets the tone.  It’s like listening to sunshine.