Other than the easy-listening pieces that appear near the beginning of the program, this is one of
The Yellowjackets' strongest jazz dates.
Bob Mintzer's creative reeds (switching between tenor, bass clarinet, soprano and the EWI) keep the music stimulating and keyboardist Russell Ferrante has come a long way as both an improviser (where he is most influenced by
Herbie Hancock) and as the band's main composer. With bassist
Jimmy Haslip and drummer William Kennedy in strong supporting roles, the ensemble plays intelligent funk grooves, some mood music and occasional sections of straightahead jamming. The inclusion of the
Miles Davis-influenced trumpeter
Tim Hagans on half of the selections adds variety to a particularly enjoyable set. ~ Scott Yanow