A Twist of Marley: A Tribute

1	Exodus / Michael Brecker 5:20
2	I Shot the Sheriff / Lee Ritenour 5:16
3	Get Up Stand Up / Lee Ritenour 4:58
4	No Woman, No Cry / Jonathan Butler 6:07
5	Is This Love / Lee Ritenour 5:33
6	Redemption Song / Michael Brecker 4:53
7	Jamming / Lee Ritenour 4:16
8	Waiting in Vain / Lee Ritenour 4:33
9	Turn Your Lights Down Low / Lisa Fischer 5:04
10	So Much Trouble / Rick Braun 4:24
11	Could You Be Loved / Patti Austin 4:43
12	Stir It Up / Phil Perry 4:26
13	Get Up Stand Up / Digz RnB Version 4:23

Barnes & Noble

On A Twist of Marley , producer-guitarist Lee Ritenour and an impressive assemblage of talent from the world of contemporary jazz, soul, R&B, and world music focus on 13 classic songs by the visionary Jamaican superstar Bob Marley, framing Marley's globally communicative lyrics and resonant melodies in intriguing contexts. As you might expect, the most successful tracks feature the singers: Ritenour joins Maxi Priest for a pull-out-the-stops "I Shot the Sheriff" and "Waiting in Vain" and supports the smooth, erotic emanations of baritone Will Downing on "Is This Love?" State-of-the-art tenorist Michael Brecker intertwines with Cameroonian singer-bassist Richard Bona on an Afro-pop-flavored "Redemption Song" and propels session soulstress Lisa Fischer through a spirit-raising "Exodus." Singer Phil Perry and trumpeter Rick Braun dialogue on "So Much Trouble"; Patti Austin and guitarist Marc Antoine do the same on "Could You Be Loved?" And on one of the album's highlights, the South African guitarist-singer Jonathan Butler takes care of "No Woman, No Cry" all by himself. Intelligent and soulful, A Twist of Marley is an imaginative homage that sustains interest throughout; it's a worthy tribute to the genius who inspired it. Ted Panken

All Music Guide

Lee Ritenour unveils a new chapter in the legacy of Bob Marley with the release of A Twist of Marley, a collection of that artist's songs that are sung and played by some of contemporary jazz' hottest stars. Ritenour expands on Marley's essence gleaned from the experiences of such international stars as Jonathan Butler, guitarist Marc Antoine, Gerald Albright, Patti Austin, Richard Bona, Rick Braun, Michael Brecker, Will Downing, Lisa Fischer, Dave Grusin, Phil Perry, and Maxi Priest. They cover such great songs as "Exodus," with Lisa Fischer wailing the lead vocals over samples from Bob Marley & the Wailers. This song is so emotional, so awesome, and features that penetrating cry from the inner recesses of her heart and soul. Ritenour has also added the melodic vocals of Maxi Priest on "Waiting in Vain" and the controversial "I Shot the Sheriff," with a fresh contemporary jazz perspective. On the radio hit "Get Up, Stand Up," Lee Ritenour's smooth guitar playing replaces Marley's vocals on the melody but he hasn't lost one iota of the song's omnipresent civil rights theme. His guitar stylings weep softly and gently and then gain in strength and resilience, symbolizing the significance of Marley and Peter Tosh's heartfelt lyrics. On the R&B version of the same song, Jochem and Digz interpret it their way and do a great take on this soul jazz rendition. Both Will Downing and Jonathan Butler bring credibility to the project with their soulful takes on "Is This Love" and "No Woman No Cry." Lee Ritenour's homage to the artist, composer, and humanitarian is derived from his appreciation of Marley's ability to touch him in many ways and his blend of contemporary jazz with Marley's pure reggae, ska. and soulful beats is skillfully realized. A Twist of Marley is a unique gift to the music world and to present and future fans of Bob Marley. Paula Edelstein