Four80East: Spreading the Gospel of a Dynamic Duo

Suppose that you had some friends, some so-called friends – say, “Harvey,” “Jessica,” “Mike,” and “Mac” – who all knew about a really swell band, but THEY DIDN’T TELL YOU! Wouldn’t that just send you into orbit… if you knew? “Jessica” just spilled the beans about Four80East, a remarkable duo who have been making incredible music for 28 years.

This duo from Toronto have been creating “groove jazz for the masses” since 1997. Rob DeBoer and Tony Grace began Four80East as a studio project, although they have since transformed their electro-jazz effort into a live band, and their nine studio albums, live recording, and remixed album show mind-blowing depth and range.

I have only been exposed to their music for 24 hours, but I am completely knocked out by their brilliant output. What do they sound like? That is a really good question. As a first take, think Steely Dan without vocals. What else? Well, Dubtribe Sound System. Joe Sample. Club D’Elf. David Sanborn. Egg. Deodato. Ronny Jordan. So many others. This is some of the best contemporary jazz you can possibly encounter. If for a moment you want to label this smooth jazz, I’d suggest another listen is in order. This is DEEP.

Rob DeBoer plays keyboards, bass, and guitar; and Tony Grace plays percussion. They are joined on their studio albums by dozens of world-class musicians of all stripes and genres. They perform as a six-piece ensemble. Saxophone player Jeff Kashiwa, formerly with The Rippingtons, will be joining them for at least some of the April shows.

Four80East will play Berks Jazz Fest April 5, then three April Florida dates and Smooth Jazz For Scholars in May. They will appear at Winter Park Jazz Festival, with more show in the fall.

Check out this Spotify playlist and several videos as well. You’ll understand why I am hooked.

And I’ll remember this, “Harvey,” “Jessica,” “Mike,” and “Mac”!

Four80East

Four80East: Spreading the Gospel of a Dynamic Duo