Lee Ritenour
Lee Ritenour: A Legendary Guitarist with a Lasting Legacy
Full Name and Common Aliases
Lee Mack Ritenour was born on January 11, 1952, in Los Angeles, California. He is commonly known as "Captain Fingers" due to his exceptional fingerpicking technique.
Birth and Death Dates
Birth: January 11, 1952
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Musician, Guitarist, Composer, Producer
Early Life and Background
Lee Ritenour grew up in a musical family. His father, Lou Ritenour, was a jazz pianist and composer who worked with artists such as Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra. Lee's brother, Lance Ritenour, is also a musician. From an early age, Lee showed a keen interest in music and began taking piano lessons at the age of 4. He later switched to guitar and taught himself to play.
Major Accomplishments
Lee Ritenour's career spans over five decades, with numerous accolades and achievements. Some of his notable accomplishments include:
Winning two Grammy Awards for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocals (1985) and Best Contemporary Jazz Album (1997)
Being named one of the top 100 guitarists of all time by Rolling Stone magazine
Collaborating with renowned artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, George Benson, and Steely DanNotable Works or Actions
Lee Ritenour has released over 20 albums, showcasing his versatility and mastery of various musical styles. Some of his notable works include:
The Turning Point (1972) - a jazz-funk album that features Lee's innovative guitar playing
First Course (1976) - an album that blends elements of rock, pop, and funk
The Best of Lee Ritenour (1980) - a compilation album featuring some of his most popular songs
Impact and Legacy
Lee Ritenour's impact on the music industry cannot be overstated. He has influenced generations of musicians with his unique playing style and innovative approach to the guitar. His ability to blend different musical styles has made him one of the most respected and sought-after session players in the industry.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Lee Ritenour's quotes and insights are highly regarded by musicians and music enthusiasts alike. He is widely quoted for his thoughts on creativity, inspiration, and the importance of staying true to oneself as an artist. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians, and his music remains a testament to his enduring impact on the world of jazz, rock, and beyond.
As a master guitarist and composer, Lee Ritenour has left an indelible mark on the music industry. His innovative approach, technical skill, and dedication to his craft have made him one of the most respected and beloved musicians of our time.
Quotes by Lee Ritenour
Well, Smoke n' Mirrors has very much a world music flavor and it doesn't park itself in one country. It borrows heavily from the Brazilian angle, which is dear to my heart, and I recorded several albums with that flavor.
If you play the very subtle jazz tunes with acoustic pianos, acoustic bass and it’s a dead standard, you are going to play very differently. It depends on the music.
Ive done a lot of albums and I kinda know when Im onto something that was inspirational for me to record and create, and this was one of those projects where I really enjoyed making the album.
Well, Smoke n' Mirrors has very much a world music flavor and it doesn't park itself in one country. It borrows heavily from the Brazilian angle, which is dear to my heart, and I recorded several albums with that flavor. Probably even more so than the Brazilian flavor, there's an African, South African and West African influence and on a couple of other tracks there's some Latin flavor and there's some Indian tables on one track, all centered around my jazz guitar and acoustic guitars, and very much a Lee Ritenour sound.
If you play the very subtle jazz tunes with acoustic pianos, acoustic bass and it's a dead standard, you are going to play very differently. It depends on the music.
I had redesigned my entire amplifier system for this tour because airlines are very strict now.
I always recommend to any player to always compose their own music. It's one of the best things you can do to find a road to your own style.