It doesn't have the flash of a rock concert. There are no pyro effects or wardrobe changes. What it has is four friends playing jazz at the highest possible level, recorded beautifully in the jazz capital of the East. Add this DVD to your cart immediately—before it disappears into the used-bargain bins forever.
: A quintessential Loeb composition that highlights his melodic guitar work.
The DVD is notable for what is not heard: audible chatter, mid-song applause, or lighters in the air. The Japanese audience at the Billboard Live Tokyo venue sits in near-total silence during the performances, offering only precise, enthusiastic applause at the conclusion of solos and songs. This creates a unique audio environment. The dynamic range on the DVD is wide; the softest piano trills and the most delicate bass slides are captured without crowd noise, allowing the listener to appreciate the nuance of the interplay. This respectful silence, contrasted with the spontaneous explosion of applause after a complex unison line, is a defining characteristic of this recording. fourplay live in tokyo 2013 dvd
The DVD’s director faces the challenge of filming a band with no single focal point. The chosen strategy is one of equitable distribution:
Fourplay - Bob James, Chuck Loeb, Nathan East, and Harvey Mason It doesn't have the flash of a rock concert
: A classic Bob James piece reimagined with symphonic depth.
Fourplay Live in Tokyo 2013 is more than a concert film; it is a case study in professional musicianship. It demonstrates how a supergroup navigates a leadership transition (Carlton to Loeb) and adapts its performance language to a specific cultural context (the silent, appreciative Tokyo audience). While it does not challenge the boundaries of jazz, it masterfully reaffirms the values of the smooth jazz tradition: clarity, groove, melodic improvisation, and above all, the collective over the individual. For students of contemporary jazz, this DVD offers a rare, high-definition look at how four masters listen, react, and create in real time. Add this DVD to your cart immediately—before it
For collectors, the DVD is widely available in and is often found as a Region 0 (Worldwide) disc, making it accessible for fans across different continents. While out of print in some regions, it remains a highly sought-after item on marketplaces like eBay and Amazon due to its rare orchestral format. Release Date October 15, 2013 Run Time ~91 Minutes Label Fourplay / Universal Music Aspect Ratio 16:9 Widescreen Audio Multichannel Surround Sound
For collectors, the technical specs of a DVD matter. While Blu-ray would have been ideal, the is mastered with exceptional care.