The origins of Fourplay trace back to a recording session where Bob James and Harvey Mason collaborated on James' album. Impressed by their musical chemistry, they decided to form a band and invited Nathan East to join them. Later, guitarist Lee Ritenour became a founding member, but when he departed in 1998, Chuck Loeb replaced him, solidifying the lineup that has remained to this day.
Fourplay released their self-titled debut album in 1991, which quickly gained popularity and achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. The album showcased their exceptional musicianship and featured smooth jazz hits like "Max-O-Man" and "After the Dance." This initial success set the stage for a string of highly successful albums, including "Between the Sheets," "Elixir," and "Esprit de Four," which further solidified their reputation as one of the leading contemporary jazz acts.
Over the years, Fourplay has collaborated with numerous renowned artists, including Chaka Khan, El DeBarge, Anita Baker, and Eric Clapton, among others. Their live performances are known for their captivating energy and virtuosity, captivating audiences with their intricate musical interplay and improvisation.
Fourplay's enduring popularity and success in the contemporary jazz genre can be attributed to their ability to evolve while staying true to their musical roots. Their albums often blend various genres, incorporating elements of jazz, R&B, and pop, appealing to a wide range of listeners.
Tragically, on July 31, 2017, Chuck Loeb passed away after a battle with cancer, leaving a void in the band. In 2019, guitarist and vocalist Larry Carlton joined Fourplay, bringing his own exceptional talent and adding a new chapter to the group's storied history.
With their remarkable musicianship, captivating performances, and a discography spanning over three decades, Fourplay continues to be a beloved and influential force in contemporary jazz, enchanting audiences around the world with their smooth, soulful sound.
The Closer I Get To You
Fourplay Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
By giving me all you got (Tell me more) Your love has captured me.
Over and Over again, I've tried to tell myself that we could never be more than friends
And all the while inside I knew it was real
The way you make me feel
Lying here next to you, time just seems to fly
I'm needing you more and more (and more and more)
Let's give love a try (lets give love a try)
Sweeter and sweeter love grows
And heaven's there for those
Who fool the tricks of time
With hearts in love will find
True love
In a special way
The closer I get
The closer I get
To you baby
The more you make me see
The more you make me see
By giving me what you've got
Your love
captured me
Over and Over again
I've tried to tell myself that we
Could never be more than friends
And all the while inside
I knew this was real (got to be real)
The way you make me feel (you know)
My baby, my baby, my baby, my love
Come a little closer so that we can see into the eyes of love (BEYONCE- I wanna see into those eyes of love come closer)
Just a little a closer let me speak to you
I wanna softly tell you something (LUTHER- Here I am, heres my love, I just want you to come closer)
Come a little closer, let me whisper in your ear 'cause I wanna tell you something (BEYONCE-I wanna whisper in your ear, so soft, so come closer and)
Move on in real close so we can clebrate
The way we feel about each other's lovin'
Luther-
wanna tell you words, words of love, words that make you wanna
both-
come closer love,
Come a little closer so that we can see into the eyes of love
"The Closer I Get To You" is a duet by Luther Vandross and Beyoncé Knowles that is a cover of the original song by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway. The song is about two friends who have grown closer to each other over time and are now considering taking their relationship to the next level. As they become closer, the singer realizes that their love has captured them, and they cannot deny their feelings any longer. They describe their love as growing sweeter and sweeter, and compare it to heaven for those who have found true love in a special way.
Beyoncé and Luther take turns singing the lyrics and singing together in harmony. The lyrics are simple but effective in conveying the emotions of the two characters in the song. The slow tempo of the song, combined with the soulful vocals of the two singers, makes the song a classic R&B love ballad. The chorus, "The closer I get to you, the more you make me see, by giving me all you got, your love has captured me," is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the growing intensity of their feelings for each other.
Overall, "The Closer I Get To You" is a powerful love ballad that showcases the vocal talents of both Beyoncé and Luther. It is a classic R&B song that speaks to the power of love and the ways in which it can capture us and change our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
The closer I get to you, the more you make me see
As we get closer, I see more of your love
By giving me all you got (Tell me more) Your love has captured me.
Your love has captivated me because of the effort you put in
Lying here next to you, time just seems to fly
Time passes quickly while being with you
I'm needing you more and more (and more and more) Let's give love a try (lets give love a try)
I want to try love with you more and more
Sweeter and sweeter love grows
Love becomes better and better
And heaven's there for those Who fool the tricks of time With hearts in love will find True love In a special way
People who overcome time and stay in love will find divine love in their own unique way
My baby, my baby, my baby, my love
Endearment towards the loved one
Come a little closer so that we can see into the eyes of love
Approaching each other physically, to connect emotionally
Just a little a closer let me speak to you
A request to come closer for private conversation
Come a little closer, let me whisper in your ear 'cause I wanna tell you something
A desire to speak something in secrecy while being in close proximity
Move on in real close so we can celebrate The way we feel about each other's lovin'
Getting closer and appreciating the love we have for each other
I wanna tell you words, words of love, words that make you wanna come closer love,
Expressing love through words and bringing each other closer
Come a little closer so that we can see into the eyes of love
Inviting each other to get closer to feel the love
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: James Mtume, Reggie Lucas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@freshquartet
What a music was back then. Adorable! The best ! Still now. Gorgeous singing. Classic. Please back
@lindagibson24
Yes, baby, the closer I get to you. The song is absolutely beautiful. I love it!❤💋💋
@ycartyahoo
Back in 1996, this is the song that played the moment I realized that I wanted my friend to be "more". It's now 2021 and we've been married 23 yrs.😊
@laraoneal7284
Wow. Ur so lucky.
@edyputra3921
👏🎉
@roymanuel6524
P
@JamesSmith-tb7is
Beautiful. Wish you two many more blessed years ahead.
@DarkwingLady08
Blessed be you and your man, Madam.
May you both be strong and safe, happy and blessed together until the end of your days, and even unto Judgement Day.
Felicitas et benedicito. <3 <3 <3
@williammitchell1804
I love this cover because you can tell all the artists trust each other, and no one is trying to over sell it. They just let it happen, and it flows so beautifully.
@rubenzamorano5194
REAL MUSIC....
THIS IS MUSIC...
CLASSIC FOREVER.