Overtime [2005]

I am a big Lee fan! Have a lots of his cd's (and Dave's also)! Lee & Dave are always a magical combination ever since that good old GRP days. I bought this Bluray and was completely blown away with picture and sound quality! I recommend this Bluray to everyone looking for a great music, performance and technical quality. Even though I know what kind of superb jazz (fusion) artists are Dave, Lee, Ivan, Harvey and others, I can't stop my fascination all over again when watching this disk. They sound like they just started playing, like it is recorded in the 70s (enthusiasm wise), not like they know themselves for almost 40 years now! Like people who enjoy what musical masterpieces they produce together. This is a perfect example of how cool and how great this people are, musically and as persons. A LOT of so called pop and rock "musicians" could learn some stuff here. Nuff said! :)

The idea itself is good - to place a group of top musicians who have known each other well and played together for many years in a circle, not facing the audience but listening to each other. When the musicians and singers have this quality, it really is nothing to do but to give yourself over to the sensual pleasures. I had this recording as a HD-DVD from Japan, and was afraid that my old HD-DVD player might stop working, so that I could not listen to this performance anymore. Luckily, it is now out on Blu-Ray as well. Do not buy this record as an ordinary DVD! The enhanced sound from the Blu-Ray is some of the best I have heard, utilizing the surround, especially on the later tracks, and with a wonderful, tight bass. The images also are superb, giving you the impression of being there when shown on a large screen inn full HD. When I feel sad, I put this disc in my player and play Possibilities, the song composed and sung by the young sister of Lalah Hathaway, Kenya Hathaway.

Had the pleasure of seeing Mr Ritenour with Patrice Rushen and Melvin Davis at Ronnie Scott's before christmas 2010. What a class act. The set was unfortunately too short. Had the Overtime DVD for christmas and have watched it many times already. Favourite tunes are Night Rhythms, Little Bumpin' and Thirteen to name a few. Not a short set on this, but 2 hours of pure class, musicianship and magic. No thrills, fancy packaging or cheap looking scantily clad females necessary on this DVD. Fans who know his music won't be disappointed. Those who watch rubbish like X-Factor and other so-called reality shows should watch this and see real talent. Kenya Hathaway who sings on this is way above those who win X-Factor etc.

In the accompanying interviews, practically every one of these superb musicians says, "...when they phoned me I said 'yes' right away...!". And it shows; there is a love here which is enchanting, spiritual.... These guys are having the time of their lives!As fans of the genre know well, this is not "Real Jazz" but music that touches all points, funk, Brazilian, rock...In a class of its own...

Excellent jazz bluray studio recording with live audience during the session. Good camera work also.

If you like Lee Ritenour, then this is for you.

I'm a big fan of Lee, this is an excellent sample of his work. He has some great musicians with him. I particularly like the Brazilian section of the set. If you like Lee, you'll love this.

This a very nice concert type DVD, with high production values & beautifully played & arranged numbers. Plenty of variety from various periods of Lee's career & a stunning collection of supporting musicians & singers inc Kenya Hathaway. 151 mins too!