Fourplay Staying Busy Between CDs

The members of the smooth jazz supergroup Fourplay, while now working on the follow-up to 2004’s CD called Journey that will be released next year, are have brand-new solo projects that will be released soon.

Earlier this month, guitarist Larry Carlton released a solo album in Japan of what he calls “jam band” music called “Fire Wire.” U.S. audiences won’t have to wait too much longer for its release here, as the album is expected to be released here by the end of the year.

Pianist Bob James’ next CD, featuring his quintet, will be released in February. Urban Flamingo will also feature guest appearances by guitarist Earl Klugh and James’ daughter, vocalist Hilary James. James will have some tour dates in October where he will try out some of the new material.

Drummer Harvey Mason, in addition to doing a lot of session work for other musicians, is working on both smooth jazz and straight-ahead jazz solo records.

Finally, bassist Nathan East, like Mason, continues to work in the studio. He’s not planning a solo record, but will be featured prominently on a new CD by the legendary Herbie Hancock called Possibilities that was released this week. He’s also been featured on recent albums by guitarist Eric Clapton and vocalists Eric Benet and Yolanda Adams.