Lee Ritenour, the illustrious LA guitarist with a career spanning five decades, has embraced virtually every facet of music, but his latest album, “Dreamcatcher,” marks a significant milestone. Despite numerous achievements, including 45 albums, a Grammy win, 16 Grammy nominations, and collaborations with legends like Frank Sinatra and Pink Floyd, Ritenour had never made a solo guitar record until now.
“Dreamcatcher” consists of 12 tracks, each weaving intricate tapestries of instrumental guitar that rank among Ritenour’s most melodious and captivating compositions. The album carries a sense of power and purpose, born from personal challenges such as the loss of his home and studio in a 2018 fire and subsequent heart surgery.
While several key tracks were written before the COVID-19 pandemic, the album was largely shaped by the global crisis. Ritenour, equipped with just seven guitars, a computer interface, and determination in his makeshift studio, allowed the context of the pandemic to permeate his music. The result is an album that resonates with the collective experience of a world in turmoil.
Each track on “Dreamcatcher” tells a story, from the molten blues of “Abbot Kinney,” inspired by an empty Venice boulevard, to “2020,” a three-part symphony reflecting the tumultuous times. The album also delves into diverse musical styles, from classical guitars on the title track to the folk-inspired Taylor baritone in “Starlight.”
“Dreamcatcher” transcends the confines of instrumental music, addressing contemporary issues like US race relations in “Charleston,” dedicated to the Black Lives Matter movement. It also revisits Ritenour’s own history, with “Morning Glory Jam” reworking a classic 1977 tune.
“Dreamcatcher” is a testament to Lee Ritenour’s versatility and his ability to channel life’s challenges and global events into captivating music that resonates deeply with listeners.