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“I
used to look forward to Tuesday nights at
the baked potato in LA in the mid 70s. Lee
Ritenour was the king. It would be Lee and
Jeff Porcaro or Havey Mason, with Ernie Watts,
Don Grusin , Abe Laboriel and Larry Carlton.
The best LA cats around. I loved Lee's solo
records as well. He's one of my biggest influences
both as a guitarist and producer. He knows
how to put a song together in the studio as
well as anyone. Congrats Lee!” - Paul
Brown
“I
was lucky enough to play on one of Lee Ritenour's
CDs a few years ago, and I couldn't get it
out of my head that this is the guy who came
up with the lick to "Stayin' Alive".
He's the consummate musician, from creating
pop melodies that people keep singing for
years to just playing the hell out of a guitar.
I saw him live last year at the Blue Note
in New York and he burned. He was going for
more of a traditional Jazz feeling that night,
and it blew me away. This man can really do
anything and no matter what he chooses to
do, he puts his stamp on it. He's an icon.”
- Mindi Abair
“Lee
is a truly amazing player that I have enjoyed
listening to for many, many years. He is also
a great composer and arranger. One of his
records that comes to mind is a GRP release
called Wesbound. That CD is in my car right
now, and it never gets old. That is some of
the most artistic expression I have ever heard
and the record simply sounds fantastic. I
hope that Lee continues to play for us for
many more years! Thanks!” - Tom
Braxton
“The
nickname "Captain Fingers" is so
right on. In fact, there are times when I've
thought he has an extra hand going up and
down the fret board. Whether it's material
from his days in "Fourplay" or his
many solo projects, Lee Ritenour is always
at the top of his game. I am most grateful
for his innovative "Twist" series
which served to re-introduce new generations
of listeners to the music of Jobim, Marley
and Motown. He is truly deserving of the Benson.
Congrats Mr. R. Long may you play.” -
Bob Farrow - Morning
Man Wave 94.7 Smooth Jazz Toronto/Hamilton
“Lee,
your career has been an inspiration to many.
I really enjoyed the 'Twist of Jobim' record
you did and of course your production of GG's
PhatBand. Congratulations on the Lifetime
Achievement Award. I am looking forward to
hearing you in Toronto.” - Allisair
Elliott 
“Since
the early days of 'Captain Fingers' I was studying music
at Humber College where Lee Ritenour was revered as the
Guitar God of the hippest music scene that was emerging.
He was a huge inspiration and influence for the guitar
players and musicians alike that had the inside scoop.
Lee Ritenour was one of the major contributers to that
west coast sound that has now become known as Smooth Jazz.”
- Chris Smith
“Lee
is one of the architects of the Contemporary Jazz movement;
his contributions both musically and spiritually have
propelled our music to amazing heights. Genius is a word
that I rarely use but in Lee’s case it’s more
than appropriate.”- Cameron
Smith
“He
is one of the pioneers of Smooth Jazz, a very tasteful
practitioner of the art form and a fine guitarist.”
- Tom Grant
“Lee
helped give me a big career boost by signing me to my
first major label deal (after 6 indie label releases)
on i.e. Music/Universal in 1999 and releasing my Blue
Touch CD. For that, I’ll always be grateful. Besides
being a monster player and producer, Lee has always stood
out for me as a wonderful composer of many different styles.
The average listener may not realize it, but to me, there
are plenty of popular artists, and then there are serious
Artists/Composers! He has shown a tremendous range in
his long career and that is why he deserves this award
so much. We share a love of Brazilian music and Lee is
always so tasteful, whether it’s his Wes Tribute,
or his classic songs written for his solo records or Fourplay.
Along with previous award recipient George Benson, Lee
is a major cornerstone of Smooth Jazz…a guitarist’s
guitarist. Congratulations Lee.” - Gregg
Karukas
“One
of America's finest guitarists - destined to remain
forever in the spotlight.” - Greg
Carmichael - Acoustic Alchemy
"Lee
Ritenour is one of the few musicians who can play
across genres and still impress us with polished
technique and a warm sound. I still have the album
that he made with Renee Fleming and Dave Grusin
on my turntable.” - Ramsey
Lewis
"Among
all the artists that have existed in the Contemporary
Jazz world, few names are as recognizable to the
general public as well as jazz aficionados as Lee
Ritenour. Due respect must be given to a man considered
a cornerstone in Contemporary Jazz music. Critics
would be hard-pressed to find fault with the artistry
of Lee in consideration of his masterful command
of just about every style encompassing the flavour
of Jazz, its language and technique whether playing
straight-ahead or more pop oriented Jazz. I truly
believe fans of Smooth Jazz have him to thank for
helping to bridge the gap between Wes Montgomery
and the sounds of Pop, Funk, Rock and Latin styles
and for creating a commercial, yet intriguingly
unique sound with substance and depth. I am personally
indebted to Lee for his indelible influence on my
own guitar playing. Thanks Lee." - Jay
Soto
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"Perhaps
the greatest gift we as artists and members of the jazz community
share is that we all get to participate in the most delicious
aspect of life: using music's universal power to uplift humanity,
communicate across all cultures and make it groove...all at
the same time! Now, that’s a blessing!” - Freddie
Ravel
"Lee
Ritenour got it in the 70's, he was still the envy of many
in the 80's and 90's and now he's un-reachable". - Kari
Graham of Smooth Jazz Now.com