This live set by
the Yellowjackets (taped at the Roxy in Hollywood) has plenty of solo space for
Bob Mintzer (on tenor, soprano, bass clarinet and EWI) and keyboardist
Russell Ferrante (who takes a particularly colorful spot on "Homecoming") along with fine backup work by bassist
Jimmy Haslip, drummer
William Kennedy and percussionist
Paulinho Da Costa. Although the back cover of the CD says "Featuring:
Michael Franks,
Take 6,
Brenda Russell &
Marilyn Scott," fortunately
Franks,
Russell and
Scott are only heard on one harmless selection ("The Dream" ) while
Take 6 just pops by for the closer "The Revelation." The strength of the improvisations and of
Ferrante's Joe Zawinul-like originals make this one of
the Yellowjackets' stronger efforts. ~ Scott Yanow