2008-10-06
The Yellowjackets are: Jimmy Haslip (elec. Bass), Russell Ferrante (piano, keyboards, and percussion), Marcus Baylor (drums, percussion), Bob Mintzner (tenor & soprano sax, bass clarinet) and special guest Mike Stern (guitars) You would think that a group that’s been around over 25 years would come up dry but the Yellowjackets are a picture of longevity on the Jazz scene. The Yellowjackets have done it again! Lifecycle is a smooth yet edgy jazz/ fusion classic in the making with special guest Mike Stern on guitars. There’s not one cut I didn’t like on this album. I especially liked track (5) measure of a man (R.Ferrante) which featured a polyphonic conversation between clarinet and guitar, with dissonant chords on piano. The improvisation on this piece is great and you can still subtly hear the main musical thought as the soloist play. Track (9) “Claire’s Closet” has a classical sound that is a change of pace at the beginning of the piece and the jazz piano solo is delightful, Russell Ferrante reminded me a little of Bill Evans with his solo. Overall, this album gets 5 stars and “Lifecycle” is bound to get Grammy considerations in my opinion. -Corey JonesMike Longo And The New York State Of The Art Jazz Ensemble
Live From New York
JUDY NIEMACK
Blue Nights
Rahsaan Barber
The Music In The Night
Dr. John Hair & New Connections
When The Spirit Gets You!
Ray Charles
Genius Loves Company
BOBBY WATSON AND THE LIVE AND LEARN BAND
Fronm The Heart
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