Lee Ritenour

The Profile

Lee Ritenour is an American jazz guitarist and composer known for his work in jazz fusion and smooth jazz, with frequent Brazilian influences. He recorded extensively for GRP in the late 1970s and 1980s.

Born January 11, 1952 in Los Angeles, California. Prominent session musician and band leader with a discography spanning from the 1970s onward; associated with the GRP label and noted for eclecticism blending American fusion and Brazilian styles.

Two DeBaser reviews praise Lee Ritenour's eclectic guitar work and compositional range. Captain Fingers (1977) is described as a masterpiece with outstanding collaborators. Color Rit (1989) highlights Brazilian sensitivity and audiophile-quality production. Both reviews emphasize Ritenour's fusion/smooth-jazz style and versatile arrangements.