This is one of
The Yellowjackets' most jazz-oriented sets. Roughly half of the music uses funky rhtyhms while the remainder is straightahead. "Jacket Town" sounds like it could have come from a good
Eddie Harris record,
Bob Mintzer's tenor is heard on a rapid run-through of rhythm changes on "Runferyerlife," keyboardist
Russell Ferrante hints strongly at
Chick Corea's acoustic playing on "Muhammed" and
Mintzer's ballad "Sage" is memorable. This fine release is recommended both to
The Yellowjackets' longtime fans and those listeners who mistakenly think that this popular group is a mundane fusion band. ~ Scott Yanow