Were Fourplay the last great jazz band? Certainly not, but the supergroup managed to achieve renown in the early ‘90s, a time when jazz still held some sway on quiet storm radio, yet was slowly receding from the popular consciousness. Yes, they were smooth, but they had considerable chops, a virtual guarantee with the involvement of Bob James, Nathan East, Harvey Mason and Lee Ritenour. The quartet actually landed hits on the R&B charts, a testament to their ability to reach mass audiences with structurally sound, ear-pleasing compositions. They made it all seem effortless.