Supported by KNKX. Growing up in L.A. in the 60’s, Grammy award winning guitarist Lee Ritenour received a rich cross section of exposure to jazz, rock and Brazilian music. From one of his first sessions at 16 with the Mamas and Papas to accompanying Lena Horne and Tony Bennett at 18, his forty year eclectic and storied career is highlighted by a Grammy Award win for his 1986 collaboration with Dave Grusin, Harlequin; 17 Grammy nominations; numerous #1 spots in guitar polls and the prestigious “Alumnus of the Year” award from USC. He has recorded over 40 albums, with 35 chart songs, notably the Top 15 hit “Is It You,” which has become a contemporary jazz radio classic.

Dave Grusin has achieved high levels of success in his career as a performer, producer, composer, arranger, and bandleader. As a pianist, Grusin tends toward the fusion and smooth end of jazz, but he's also an accomplished film and television soundtrack composer. Grusin played with Terry Gibbs and Johnny Smith while studying at the University of Colorado, was the assistant music director and pianist for Andy Williams from 1959 to 1966. He also maintained a rich career through the 60s and 70s, recording with such greats as Benny Goodman, Don Lamond, Thad Jones, Frank Foster, Quincy Jones, Carmen McCrae, and Gerry Mulligan.