As they continue to evolve,
the Yellowjackets have gradually gone from being an R&B-oriented fusion band to a more acoustic group that emphasizes fairly straight-ahead improvisations. Although this CD has nine originals by bandmembers and some electronics are utilized (primarily by keyboardist
Russell Ferrante for color), much of the music would satisfy even hard bop listeners.
Bob Mintzer's many solos on tenor, soprano, bass clarinet and EWI are excellent, but it is the tightness of the rhythm section (which also includes bassist
Jimmy Haslip and drummer
William Kennedy) that continues to give
the Yellowjackets their own original sound. ~ Scott Yanow