Do you smoke cigars, lounge on $30,000 pianos, or slink around dark corners like the Pink Panther? OK, new question: Would you like to? Well, the logistics for that sort of thing are left up to you, but Grammy winner Lee Ritenour will certainly put you in the mood. Nicknamed “Captain Fingers,” Ritenour specializes in accessible jazz-fusion and contemporary crossover styles, making music that lends itself nicely to slow dancing and steamy, black-and-white foreign-film scenes. Radio patrons have probably heard his Top-15 hit, “Is It You?” Though this may be his most famous song, I’ll argue it isn’t his best. Ritenour’s brand of jazz is very complex and subtle. To fully appreciate his talent and impressive mastery of different styles, be sure to listen to tracks like “Rio Sol” and “Etude.” Better yet, see him live. Accompanying him are musicians Michael Paulo, a pop/jazz crossover saxophonist from Hawaii, and funky bassman, Melvin Lee Davis. Ritenour is touring the islands as part of the Nā Hōkū Hanohano O Hawaii Music Festival, taking place May 27-30. A limited number of premium seats ($75) are available. Pre-show dinner by Café O’Lei at The Dunes. 242-7469, www.mauiarts.org
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