Two of jazz’ most successful and influential musicians of their generation, legendary guitarist Lee Ritenour and pianist Dave Grusin, have joined together with some of the top Brazilian players for their latest recording BRASIL. The album marks their debut on Candid Records and is set for release May 31, 2024 on vinyl, CD and all streaming outlets. The first single “Cravo e Canela” is out today.
Ritenour and Grusin began their fervent involvement in Brazilian music half a century ago. As boldly demonstrated on BRASIL, their passion remains unabated. BRASIL is a bracing survey of contemporary Brazilian sounds featuring some of that country’s most notable young musicians. Also spotlighted are the talents of Swiss born harmonica ace Grégoire Maret and Brazilian vocalist and composer Ivan Lins, who collaborated with Ritenour and Grusin on their GRAMMY® Award winning album Harlequin in 1986.
LISTEN "CRAVO E CANELA" HERE
PRE-ORDER BRASIL HERE
Recorded in São Paulo, and produced by Ritenour and Grusin, BRASIL includes five vocal tracks and four instrumental original compositions. Lee is featured on acoustic and electric guitar along with Dave on acoustic piano and synthesizers. The core Brazilian contingent handpicked to anchor the rhythm section were drummer Edu Ribeiro, bassist Bruno Migotto, and percussionist Marcelo Costa. Rounding out the talent is renowned guitarist Chico Pinheiro on two tracks, (including Antonio Carlos Jobim’s classic “Stone Flower”) composer, singer and guitarist Celso Fonseca on his composition “Meu Samba Torto” and vocalist Tatiana Parra, an extraordinary studio singer who “could instantly wrap herself around what was needed” shines on three of the album’s program. Also included are two compositions by Brazilian singer/songwriter superstar Milton Nascimento “Catavento” and the first single release “Cravo e Canela.”
“What a thrill it is to have Lee and Dave as part of the Candid family,” states Mark Wexler, Head of Candid Records. “I am fortunate to have had a long and storied relationship with them for decades and their return to Brazil for “Brasil” promises to be one of the most highly anticipated albums of the year!
Exceleration Music Partner and producer John Burk states: “Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin are icons in the music industry. This album personifies the depth of their success and staying power, especially with their influence in bringing Brazilian music to our shores.”
Ritenour and Grusin have made an indelible mark in the music industry. It has been an enduring friendship and collaboration, from playing the famed Baked Potato in Los Angeles in the 70s, to collaborations on Dave’s records and films and Lee’s albums, plus years of touring together on the biggest stages. With the release of BRASIL, they continue to exemplify how their longevity and success is tribute to their ability to stay on the pulse of the music scene today. “Brazilian music continues to permeate the world,” Lee observes. “So, now was the right time and inspiration to go to Brazil and do this recording.” And their musical magic continues!
About Dave Grusin
Dave Grusin is a multi-faceted pianist, arranger, film and TV composer and producer whose fabled career includes an Academy Award for the feature film Milagro Beanfield War, seven Academy Award nominations, 10 GRAMMY Awards, 38 GRAMMY nominations, and a Golden Globe nomination for On Golden Pond - also voted No. 24 as one of the Best American Film Scores of All Time by the American Film Institute. He is also the co-founder of the legendary jazz label GRP Records and the subject of a feature-length documentary entitled Dave Grusin: Not Enough Time.
About Lee Ritenour
Lee Ritenour has recorded 50 albums, is a GRAMMY Award winner, along with 16 nominations. He is a USC Alumnus of the year, an L.A. Jazz Society honoree and recipient of the Echo Jazz Award. Lee is also a founding member of the supergroup Fourplay, whose debut album went platinum topping Billboard’s Jazz Chart for 33 weeks. His album Six String Theory, named Album of the Year by JAZZIZ, marked the start of his non-profit Six String Theory Competition which supports young and upcoming musicians worldwide. Lee has recorded on thousands of sessions with legends from Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, and Tony Bennett to Pink Floyd, Aretha Franklin and Carole King.
About Candid Records
Between 1960 - 1963 founder, A&R man, and producer Nat Hentoff recorded over 30 extraordinary albums for the new Candid Records label. One cannot underestimate the breadth of these recordings - from bebop to the avant-garde, to blues. Candid sat dormant for years until Black Lion Records founder and producer, Alan Bates, bought the label in 1989. The next phase of Candid Records is happening now. Since its relaunch in 2021, with these new phases of recordings, the label has reissued over 28 titles to high critical acclaim. Thanks to brilliant new releases has received five GRAMMY® awards – 2024 winners the Count Basie Orchestra, 2023 winners Terri Lyne Carrington and Wayne Shorter and 2022’s multiple GRAMMY® winner Eliane Elias. Today’s Candid is not only committed to its legacy but looks forward to defining its future with the quality music that is synonymous with its elite heritage. Learn more at www.candidrecords.com
About Exceleration Music
Exceleration Music is a company formed by global music industry leaders Glen Barros, Amy Dietz, John Burk, Dave Hansen and Charles Caldas to invest in the future of independent labels and artists. Exceleration offers personalized solutions to entrepreneurs seeking capital to achieve growth as well as those trying to achieve liquidity or an honorable exit. The company’s growing team of data, sales and marketing experts works to preserve and enhance the legacies of both the entrepreneurs and their artists alike. To date, Exceleration has strategic relationships with SideOneDummy, Alligator Records, Candid Records, Bloodshot Records, Kill Rock Star, Mom+ Pop and the Ray Charles Foundation/Tangerine Records, Heroic Music Group and Redeye Distribution. Learn more at www.excelerationmusic.com