Lee Ritenour

“It's all about the melody. That’s the most important thing.”

“I always felt that the blues is the foundation of all jazz.”

“Being a studio musician taught me discipline and how to be versatile.”

“Wes Montgomery was my biggest influence.”

“The guitar is an extension of my voice.”

“Collaboration is key. You learn so much from playing with other musicians.”

“I never want to stop learning and growing as a musician.”

“The beauty of jazz is the freedom of improvisation.”

“For me, fusion is about blending different styles of music and creating something new.”

“I try to tell a story with every solo.”

“Practice is essential, but you also have to live life to have something to say with your music.”

“My goal is always to connect with the listener on an emotional level.”

“You have to have a great rhythm section. They are the engine of the band.”

“Touring is grueling, but connecting with a live audience is an incredible feeling.”