YELLOWJACKETS — Greenhouse (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The Yellowjackets' first release for GRP, Greenhouse, is a real gas. The disc starts innocently enough with "Freedomland," the kind of smart smooth jazz song that marked The Spin. It's on the following "Greenhouse" that listeners glimpse a change in the air: Strings (!) set the stage for dreamy, exotic jazz that melts in your mind, music that goes well beyond similar experiments on earlier Yellowjackets sessions. From this point on, the band travels back in time: Russell Ferrante's piano, the understated rhythm section, and Bob Mintzer's saxophones (Marc Russo had left, though Mintzer wasn't an "official" member yet) smoke with the fire of cool jazz. There are still some electronics employed, but generally they're arranged in a subordinate role to give the acoustic sounds an added presence. It would be tempting to call Mintzer the catalyst of change -- his saxophone playing is more note-filled and squeakier than Russo's, a style that evokes traditional jazz -- but the new direction in sound is just as evident in the piano playing of Ferrante, the softened attack of William Kennedy (plenty of cymbals, quieter snare hits), and the articulated playing of Jimmy Haslip (best heard on "Indian Summer"). The fresh start allows the Yellowjackets to escape from under the cloud of smooth jazz and expose their "serious" side, all while continuing to place composition and melody over individual musicianship. Calling this the band's most mature work to date belies a natural distrust of smooth jazz, so better to say that Greenhouse is loaded with personality. Mintzer's spooky bass clarinet on "Brown Zone," the wild bop workout unleashed on "Liam/Rain Dance," and the violin jig on "Freda" are among their most memorable musical moments. The Yellowjackets haven't changed the way they approach their music, but the newfound ability to communicate in a more traditional jazz setting casts them in a whole new (and flattering) light. Dave Connolly  
Tracklist :
1.     Freedomland 6:09
Russell Ferrante
2.     Greenhouse 9:00
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
3.     Seven Stars 7:33
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / William Kennedy
4.     Indian Summer 5:33
Russell Ferrante
5.     Spirits 6:00
Bob Mintzer
6.     Brown Zone 4:50
Steve Khan
7.     Liam/Rain Dance 6:34
Steve Croes / Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
8.     Invisible People 5:45
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / William Kennedy
9.     Freda 5:24
Yellowjackets feat: Kenny Baker
10.     Peace 3:20
Bill Gable
Credits :
Arranged By, Conductor [Orchestra] – Vince Mendoza (pistas: 2, 4, 9)
Bass – Jimmy Haslip
Bassoon – Michael O'Donovan (pistas: 2, 4, 9)
Cello – Dane Little (pistas: 2, 4, 9), David Speltz (pistas: 2, 4, 9), John Cooke (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Judith Perett (pistas: 2, 4, 9)
Clarinet – Gary Gray (pistas: 2, 4, 9), James Kanter (pistas: 2, 4, 9)
Contractor [Orchestra] – Sandy de Crescent
Double Bass – Arni Egilsson (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Timothy Barr (pistas: 2, 4, 9)
Drums, Percussion – William Kennedy
Flute – James Walker (pistas: 2, 4, 9)
Keyboards – Russell Ferrante
Percussion – Alex Acuna
Producer – Yellowjackets
Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Flute, Electronic Wind Instrument – Bob Mintzer
Synthesizer [Synclavier] – Steve Croes
Viola – Brian Dembow (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Dan Neufeld (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Mihail Zinovyev (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Pamela Goldsmith (pistas: 2, 4, 9)
Violin – Anatoly Rosinsky (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Arnold Belnick (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Bill Hybel (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Bruce Dukov (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Clayton Haslop (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Dorothy Wade (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Karen Jones (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Kathleen Lenski (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Polly Sweeny (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Sheldon Sanov (pistas: 2, 4, 9), Stuart Canin (pistas: 2, 4, 9)
Violin [Solo] – Stuart Canin (pistas: 9)
Vocals – Bill Gable (pistas: 8) 

YELLOWJACKETS — Like a River (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

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
Tracklist :
1.     Man Facing North 6:28
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / William Kennedy / Bob Mintzer
2.     My Old School 7:13
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
3.     River Waltz 6:00
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / William Kennedy / Marc Russo
4.     Dewey (A Tribute to Miles Davis) 5:40
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
5.     Memoirs 6:19
Bob Mintzer
6.     Azure Moon 6:02
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
7.     Sueños 6:35
Russell Ferrante / Bill Gable / Jimmy Haslip
8.     1998 6:58
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / William Kennedy / Marc Russo
9.     Sandstone 5:29
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / William Kennedy
10.     Solitude 5:04
Russell Ferrante
Credits :
Drums – William Kennedy
Electric Bass [6 String Bass], Electric Bass [Tobias Semi Hollow Body], Vocals – Jimmy Haslip
Guest, Musician, Percussion, Vocals – Naná Vasconcelos
Guest, Musician, Programmed By [EWI Programming] – Judd Muller
Guest, Musician, Synthesizer [Synclavier] – Steve Croes
Guest, Musician, Trumpet – Tim Hagens
Guest, Musician, Vocals – Bill Gable
Piano [Acoustic], Synthesizer [Synthesizers] – Russell Ferrante
Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Electronic Wind Instrument [EWI] – Bob Mintzer 

YELLOWJACKETS — Live Wires (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

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
Tracklist :
1.    Homecoming 5:35
Written-By – Russell Ferrante
2.    Bright Lights 6:53
Written-By – Bob Mintzer
3.    The Dream 5:08
Lyrics By – Michael Franks
Music By – Jimmy Haslip, Marc Russo, Russell Ferrante
4.    Freedomland 6:26
Written-By – Russell Ferrante
5.    Downtown 4:51
Written-By – Russell Ferrante
6.    Claire's Song 7:41
Written-By – Russell Ferrante
7.    Geraldine 7:21
Written-By – Russell Ferrante
8.    The Spin 9:47
Written-By – Jimmy Haslip, Marc Russo, Russell Ferrante, William Kennedy
9.    Wildlife 9:26
Written-By – Alex Acuna, Jimmy Haslip, Russell Ferrante
10.    Revelation 6:24
Lyrics By – Lorraine Perry
Music By – Russell Ferrante
Credits :
Arranged By [Strings] – Vince Mendoza (pistas: 7)
Backing Vocals – Brenda Russell, Marilyn Scott
Bass – Jimmy Haslip
Drums – William Kennedy
Keyboards [Synclavier] – Steve Croes
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa
Producer – Yellowjackets
Saxophone, Saxophone [Ewi], Bass Clarinet – Bob Mintzer
Vocals – Michael Franks (pistas: 3), Take 6 (pistas: 10) 

YELLOWJACKETS — Run for Your Life (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

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
Tracklist :
1.     Jacket Town 5:25
Russell Ferrante / William Kennedy
2.     Even Song 6:33
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / William Kennedy
3.     Runferyerlife 4:22
Bob Mintzer
4.     The Red Sea 5:45
Bob Mintzer
5.     Muhammed 6:47
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
6.     City of Lights 6:56
Russell Ferrante
7.     Sage 5:04
Bob Mintzer
8.     Ancestors 5:01
Matisha / Bob Mintzer
9.     Wisdom 7:29
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
Credits :
Bass – Jimmy Haslip
Drums – William Kennedy
Guitar – Robben Ford
Keyboards – Russell Ferrante
Producer – Yellowjackets
Synthesizer [Synclavier] – Steve Croes
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Electronic Wind Instrument [Ewi], Bass Clarinet – Bob Mintzer 

YELLOWJACKETS — Dreamland (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Perhaps the finest recording of this quartet's illustrious career, Dreamland captures the Yellowjackets at the peak of their compositional and performing craft. This band has moved far beyond its peers with this release. The music here is simply intoxicating, full of gorgeous melodies, deceptively intricate changes, subtle rhythmic and harmonic nuances, and flawless playing. Because of the consistency of the music, it is impossible to point out high spots. Bobby McFerrin has never sounded better than on his guest appearance on "Summer Song," but it's the high level maintained by the four Yellowjackets throughout the disc that especially entrances the listener. This is a Dreamland where any connoisseur of quality music will find delight and quiet satisfaction. Jim Newsom
Tracklist :
1.     The Chosen 4:59
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
Percussion – Luis Conte
Trumpet – Chuck Findley
2.     Blacktop 5:02
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / Bob Mintzer
3.     Summer Song 6:35
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
Percussion – Luis Conte
Vocals, Percussion – Bobby McFerrin
4.     Small Town 6:31
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
5.     A Walk in the Park 5:21
Bob Mintzer
Trumpet, Trombone – Chuck Findley
6.     Turn in Time 5:05
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
7.     Father Time 4:39
Bob Mintzer
8.     New Lullaby (For Gabriela) 4:34
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
9.     Dreamland 5:42
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / William Kennedy
10.     Take My Hand 4:31
Russell Ferrante / William Kennedy
Credits :
Bass, Bass [Shop] – Jimmy Haslip
Drums – William Kennedy
Keyboards – Russell Ferrante
Producer [Produced By] – Yellowjackets
Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Bob Mintzer 

YELLOWJACKETS — Blue Hats (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

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
Tracklist :
1.    Capetown 5:37
Composed By – Jimmy Haslip, Russell Ferrante, William Kennedy
2.    With These Hands 6:56
Composed By – Russell Ferrante, William Kennedy
3.    Prayer For Peace 6:48
Composed By – Bob Mintzer
4.    Statue Of Liberty 6:12
Composed By – Russell Ferrante
5.    Coal Minor Blues 5:57
Composed By – Russell Ferrante
6.    Savanna 7:09
Composed By – Jimmy Haslip, Russell Ferrante, William Kennedy
7.    New Rochelle 6:07
Composed By – Bob Mintzer
8.    Coquimbo 4:31
Composed By – Jimmy Haslip, Russell Ferrante, William Kennedy
9.    Angelina 7:15
Composed By – Jimmy Haslip, Russell Ferrante
Credits :
Bass – Jimmy Haslip
Drums – William Kennedy
Keyboards – Russell Ferrante
Saxophone – Bob Mintzer 

YELLOWJACKETS — Club Nocturne (1998) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

For their fourteenth album as a band, the Yellowjackets announced the desire to go in a different direction from their previous outings. The difference on Club Nocturne is the inclusion of four vocal tracks. Fortunately, there is no difference here in the high level of musicianship and compositional quality long associated with this quartet. In fact, Club Nocturne is very much of a piece with its immediate predecessors, Dreamland and Blue Hats. "Spirit of the West" and "Stick_to_it_ive_ness" kick the CD off in a buoyant mood, emphasizing Russell Ferrante's inventive songwriting, Jimmy Haslip's nimble-fingered, melodic basswork, and Bob Mintzer's soprano saxophone mastery. The groove is solid, unmistakably Yellowjackets. Track three, the ultra-funky "Up From New Orleans," is a diversion for the band only because it features Kurt Elling singing Mintzer's homage to the Crescent City. The music itself is pure Mintzer-Yellowjackets, fortified with a brass band-inspired, crawfish-fed N'Orleans backbeat. "The Evening News" moves in a syncopated groove laid down by Haslip and drummer William Kennedy, who delivers his usual polyrhythmic virtuoso performance throughout the disc. The two most surprising tracks here are "Even the Pain," featuring a vocal by Jonathan Butler, and "Love and Paris Rain," with Brenda Russell carrying the vocal duty. Though these tracks would be right at home on smooth jazz radio, each has enough character to set it apart from the formulaic ballads clogging up the playlists of such stations. Butler's track has the feel of his native South Africa blended with a touch of Irish pennywhistle, while Ms. Russell's feature stands out because of its unexpected chord progressions. "The Village Church" harkens back to Ferrante's days as a youngster whose dad was a church choir director. "Twilight for Nancy" is a beautiful instrumental ballad, while "Automat" is reminiscent of earlier bandworks, with a sax and synth counterpoint played against and within the melody, conjuring up images of robotic automatons roaming back and forth across a futuristic plain. The final piece, "All is Quiet," again brings Elling to the mike, this time in an atypical setting for a Yellowjackets recording, mostly space and openness, as Elling trades lines with Mintzer's sax while the rest of the band fills in the beatless background with washes and accents. From start to finish, Club Nocturne is a satisfying addition to the Yellowjackets' catalog. While obviously seeking to expand their appeal to a wider audience, they have managed to avoid compromising their high musical standards. Jim Newsom  
Tracklist :
1.    Spirit Of The West 5:07
Composed By – R. Ferrante
2.    Stick To It Ive Ness 5:32
Composed By – R. Ferrante
3.    Up From New Orleans 5:34
Composed By – B. Mintzer
Vocals – Kurt Elling
4.    The Evening News 4:16
Composed By – B. Mintzer, R. Ferrante, W. Kennedy
5.    Even In The Pain 5:24
Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Jonathan Butler, Richard Page
Composed By – R. Page
Percussion – Munyungo Jackson
Vocals – Jonathan Butler
6.    Love And Paris Rain 5:06
Composed By – B. Russell, R. Ferrante, W. Kennedy
Guitar – James Harrah
Vocals – Brenda Russell
7.    The Village Church 4:50
Composed By – R. Ferrante
8.    Twilight For Nancy 5:25
Composed By – J. Haslip, R. Ferrante
9.    Automat 6:58
Composed By – J. Haslip, R. Ferrante
10.    All Is Quiet 5:45
Composed By – B. Mintzer, K. Elling
Vocals – Kurt Elling
Credits :
Bass – Jimmy Haslip
Drums – William Kennedy
Piano, Keyboards – Russell Ferrante
Producer [Produced By] – Yellowjackets
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Bob Mintzer

YELLOWJACKETS — Mint Jam (2001) 2CD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This set differs from most of the Yellowjackets' previous recordings in several ways: It is a two-CD set, it has not been released by a major record company but instead has been put out by the group's own private label, and the music overall emphasizes straight-ahead jazz and dynamic solos. In fact, it contains some of the best solos on record by tenor saxophonist Bob Mintzer and keyboardist Russell Ferrante. With electric bassist Jimmy Haslip inspiring the lead voices and taking occasional solos, while the band's newest member, drummer Marcus Baylor, keeps the ensembles stimulating, the group performs a dozen songs, all of which are originals by Ferrante (who emphasizes his own acoustic piano playing), Haslip, and/or Mintzer. Whether it be the catchy "Boomtown," "Blues for KJ," "Song for Carla," or "Statue of Liberty," the Yellowjackets show that they are one of the most vital groups in contemporary jazz, even after 20 years. The high-quality improvisations, the appealing group sound, and the diverse but consistently satisfying originals make this one of the Yellowjackets' strongest releases. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :
1.     Les Is Mo 4:30
Russell Ferrante
2.     Boomtown 5:23
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
3.     Motet 9:16
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
4.     Mofongo 7:00
Bob Mintzer
5.     Blues for KJ 5:08
Russell Ferrante
6.     Runferyerlife 7:00
Bob Mintzer
7.     Song for Carla 5:24
Bob Mintzer
8.     Tortoise and the Hare 7:09
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / Will Kennedy / Marc Russo
9.     Mosaic 6:14
Bob Mintzer
10.     New Jig 6:57
Russell Ferrante
11.     Statue of Liberty 9:34
Russell Ferrante
12.     Evening News 6:06
Russell Ferrante / Will Kennedy / Bob Mintzer
Credits :
Drums – Marcus Baylor
Electric Bass – Jimmy Haslip
Piano, Synthesizer – Russell Ferrante
Producer – Yellowjackets
Tenor Saxophone, Electronic Wind Instrument [EWI] – Bob Mintzer 

YELLOWJACKETS — Time Squared (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Following on the heels of their Grammy-nominated Mint Jam, their self-released 2001 "live" recording, the Yellowjackets continue to blaze an enjoyable musical trail that pulsates with their energy and signature sound that few will fail to recognize and many have come to love over the past 30 years. With Time Squared, the group's first studio recording in five years, the Yellowjackets have added 11 diverse songs to this fertile contemporary jazz landscape. The songs, which were all written by the group's new members, range from prayerful, peaceful melodies with improvised vocals, such as "Healing Waters," to those that capture Thelonious Monk's piano style. On "Monk's Habit," pianist Russell Ferrante and tenor saxophonist Bob Mintzer stir up some great jazz memories by playing an amazing straight-ahead set ripe with bebop solos reminiscent of Monk's time with Sonny Rollins. The title track has the listener in a '70s boogaloo instinct, but Mintzer has set it apart with the addition of his bass clarinet for texture, Jimmy Haslip's great basslines, Ferrante's very cool electric keyboard lead on the melody, and truly complimentary rimshots and backbeats from drummer/percussionist Marcus Baylor. The set closes with "My 1st Best Friend," which features Mintzer taking a dynamic saxophone solo that has the potential to take its place alongside some of the more memorable jazz solos. Overall, Time Squared is perhaps the most multi-dimensional offering from the Yellowjackets since their explorations in the 1990s took listeners through a diverse cross section of sound and rhythms. But there are no hints of sameness here. This is a full-length music CD and a multimedia CD-ROM with a video, artist profile, and a lot of great jazz played by great musicians. Paula Edelstein  

Tracklist :

1.     Go Go 5:33

Bob Mintzer

2.     Monk's Habit 5:12

Russell Ferrante

3.     Smithtown 5:17

Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip

4.     Healing Waters 6:10

Marcus Baylor / Russell Ferrante

5.     Time Squared 6:45

Bob Mintzer

6.     Gabriela Rose 4:53

Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip

7.     Sea Folk 6:31

Russell Ferrante

8.    V 5:27

Russell Ferrante

9     Claire @ 1 8 5:29

Russell Ferrante

10     Village Gait 5:31

Bob Mintzer

11.     My 1st Best Friend 4:49

Russell Ferrante

Credits :

Bass – Jimmy Haslip

Drums, Percussion – Marcus Baylor

Piano, Keyboards [Electronic] – Russell Ferrante

Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet [Bb], Bass Clarinet, Flute, Electronic Wind Instrument – Bob Mintzer 

YELLOWJACKETS — Altered State (2005) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The most adventurous quartet in contemporary jazz has met its visual match in Peter Max, the legendary pop artist who, as it turns out, is a huge fan of the band. Russell Ferrante and company could probably feel at home naming any of their innovative, loose-spirited albums after one of Max's paintings, but Altered State definitely fits the vibe here -- which is all odd meters, emotionally provocative melodic lines, and unexpected harmonies. Max, in turn, took a few preliminary tracks and was inspired to create the cool, splotchy cover art. The hourlong musical affair won't cause any permanent mental and emotional departures, but there are a lot of odd and spirited surprises along the way. "Suite 15," featuring the funky interplay of Bob Mintzer's aggressive sax and Ferrante's power chording (not to mention one of Ferrante's classic lush piano solos), is classic Jackets stuff all the way. They almost go "pop" on Mintzer's multi-genre romp "March Majestic," which is driven by drummer Marcus Baylor's New Orleans-styled march beat, Ferrante's gospel-tinged keys, and -- big shock -- Mintzer's ace soloing throughout. The spiritual centerpiece of the disc is "The Hope," a churchgoing gem featuring Jean Baylor on lead vocals and the Perry Sisters backing. Running from the fellowship hall, the quartet goes alternately fun and jazzy and then weird and wild, from Ferrante's dark, brooding, and gently exotic "Hunter's Point" to bassist Jimmy Haslip's simmering and offbeat "Youth Eternal." Marcus Baylor has a blast taking listeners into a dense percussive forest at the beginning of "Free Day," which develops into a fairly straightforward midtempo jazz number. Ferrante explains that this project was about finding some less-traveled roads. But even on those, the band can't get away from the powerful risk-taking and solid playing that make the Yellowjackets treasures in their chosen genre. Jonathan Widran  

Tracklist :
1.    Suite 15 4:51
Written-By – Russell Ferrante
2.    March Majestic 5:20
Written-By – Bob Mintzer
3.    The Hope 5:02
Written-By – Jean Baylor, Jimmy Haslip, Russell Ferrante
4.    Hunter's Point 6:14
Written-By – Russell Ferrante
5.    Mother Earth 4:43
Written-By – Bob Mintzer
6.    Youth Eternal 5:08
Written-By – Jimmy Haslip
7.    Free Day 5:28
Written-By – Marcus Baylor
8.    Cross Current 5:29
Written-By – Bob Mintzer
9.    Aha 5:49
Written-By – Bob Mintzer
10.    57 Chevy 6:23
Written-By – Russell Ferrante
11.    Unity 5:56
Written-By – Bob Mintzer, Marcus Baylor
Credits :
Backing Vocals – Carolyn Perry (pistas: 3), Darlene Perry (pistas: 3), Lori Perry (pistas: 3), Sharon Perry (pistas: 3)
Drums – Marcus Baylor
Electric Bass – Jimmy Haslip
Lead Vocals – Jean Baylor (pistas: 3)
Percussion – Mike Shapiro (pistas: 1, 4)
Piano, Electric Piano, Keyboards – Russell Ferrante
Producer – Yellowjackets
Saxophone [Tenor, Soprano, Ewi], Clarinet [Bass] – Bob Mintzer  

ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY — After Hours (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Ann Hampton Callaway is one of the top cabaret singers of the past decade. She has always been influenced a bit by jazz, and this 1997 release was her first full jazz recording. Callaway has a haunting voice and, as with most cabaret singers, a great respect for the lyrics she interprets; her singing on "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" is a bit eerie. Pianist Kenny Barron, Bob Mintzer on tenor and soprano, and trumpeter Randy Brecker all get a generous amount of solo space, while bassist Jay Leonhart and percussionist George Jinda are fine in support; considering the high quality of her sidemen, it is a major compliment to the singer to say that her vocals do not cause the set to sag or the listener to lose his interest. On "All Blues" and "Old Devil Moon" in particular, she shows the potential of becoming a significant jazz singer in the future if she sticks to this path. Strangely enough, an intriguing original blues (clocking in around four-and-a-half minutes) is included at the end of the program, but not mentioned on the back cover or in the liners. Recommended. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    Time After Time 5:13
Written-By – Cyndi Lauper, Rob Hyman
2.    Teach Me Tonight 3:24
Written-By – Gene DePaul, Sammy Cahn
3.    My Funny Valentine 6:40
Written-By – Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers
4.    Old Devil Moon 4:07
Written-By – Burton Lane, E.Y. Harburg
5.    The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face 4:44
Written-By – Ewan MacColl
6.    All Blues 4:57
Written-By – Miles Davis
7.    They Can't Take That Away From Me 4:30
Written-By – George & Ira Gershwin
8.    The Music You Leave Inside My Mind 6:03
Written-By – Ann Hampton Callaway
9.    You Are My Sunshine 4:53
Written-By – Charles Mitchell, Jimmie Davis
10.    It Never Entered My Mind 6:57
Written-By – Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers
11.    Falling In Love Again 3:33
Written-By – Fredrick Hollander, Sammuel Lerner
Credits :
Acoustic Bass – Jay Leonhart
Cymbal, Shaker, Udu, Rattle [Bushman Rattles] – George Jinda
Piano – Kenny Barron
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Bob Mintzer
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Randy Brecker
Vocals – Ann Hampton Callaway

JUDY WEXLER — Under a Painted Sky (2011) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Few singers would dare dive into music associated with Johnny Mathis, Carmen McRae, Abbey Lincoln and the 1962 film, The Music Man, on the same album; even fewer would be able to pull it off as vocalist Judy Wexler does on Under A Painted Sky. Wexler possesses a voice for the ages, and puts it to good use on a dozen delicious numbers that cover myriad moods and spotlight the stellar instrumentalists in her band.
Wexler's prior releases—Easy On The Heart (Rhombus, 2005) and Dreams And Shadows (Jazzed Media, 2008)— were elevated by classy arrangements and pianistic underpinnings from pianist Alan Pasqua, and this partnership continues to bear fruit on this project. Pasqua paints pictures of a sunny nature ("Wonderful Wonderful"), crafts spine-tingling settings ("Avec Le Temps") and directs swinging scenes that delight in every way ("The Great City" and "Whisper Not"), leaving Wexler free to fully explore the possibilities that reside within each one of these gems.
Wexler's vocals are ebullient and enthusiastic on "Wonderful Wonderful," as the album gets underway, but she isn't all sunshine and splendor. She deals in flirty and sensual singing on "An Occasional Man," delivers enthralling vocals of a haunting nature with Avec Le Temps," touches on the ups-and-downs in the game of love during "And How I Hoped For Your Love,," and utters a wise warning about getting sucked into the quicksand of New York's social scene with "The Great City."
While Wexler needs no help selling any of these songs, the instrumentalists add volumes to each piece, as they mirror the moods that are established through the arrangements and vocals. Tenor saxophonist Bob Mintzer adds some grit to "The Great City," Bob Sheppard's soprano saxophone swoops and soars with a fine balance between grace and gusto on "Till There Was You," and Walt Fowler's flugelhorn emphasizes the dream-like state of "Café." Pasqua and guitarist Larry Koonse blend well, whether dealing with Brazilian-laced music ("And How I Hoped For Your Love") or songs of peace and hope ("Sack Full Of Dreams"), and the bass and drums team of Darek Oles and Steve Hass has a terrific hookup in virtually every stylistic setting.
While both of Wexler's previous albums were outstanding displays of her vocal talent, Under A Painted Sky is her best yet—the third time truly is the charm. web
Tracklist :
1 Wonderful Wonderful  4:34
Sherman Edwards / Ben Raleigh
2 And How I Hoped for Your Love  4:38
Abbey Lincoln / Richard Lynch
3 An Occasional Man  4:19
Ralph Blane / Hugh Martin
4 Don't Wait Too Long   3:59
Sunny Skylar
5 The great City  5:40
Curtis Lewis
6 Avec Le Temps  7:48
Léo Ferré / Alan Wexler
7 A Little Tear  3:59
Eumir Deodato / Ray Gilbert / Paolo Valle
8 Last Time for Love  4:58
Carmen McRae
9 Café  4:45
Egberto Gismonti / Norma Winstone
10 Whisper Not  3:43
Leonard Feather / Benny Golson
11 Till There Was You  5:04
Meredith Willson
12 Sack Full of Dreams  5:30
Gary McFarland / Louis Savary
Personnel : 
Judy Wexler - Vocals
Alan Pasqua - Piano
Darek Oles - Bass
Steve Hass - Drums
Larry Koonse - Guitar
Bob Mintzer - Tenor Saxophone
Bob Sheppard - Soprano Saxophone
Walt Fowler - Trumper, Flugelhorn
Alex Acuna - Percussion

JACO PASTORIUS — Anthology : The Warner Bros. Years (2014) 2CD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Anthology: The Warner Bros. Years’ is one of many retrospectives of bass genius Jaco Pastorius’ work that have been issued since his tragic death at the age of 35. Containing music from his time with the Warner Bros. label, the vast majority of the album is made up of selections from his sophomore solo studio release ‘Word Of Mouth’ and live albums ‘The Birthday Concert’ and ‘Invitation’.

Among the four tracks which are not from these albums, first up is a live version of ‘Okonkole y Trompa’ from debut album ‘Jaco Pastorius’. This recording comes from the Japanese release ‘Twins I & II’ and stays pretty close to the original as an atmospheric piece featuring some beautiful French horn. ‘Nativity’ from Weather Report and Return To Forever percussionist Airto Moreira’s 1977 album, ‘I’m Fine, How Are You?’, continues in the atmospheric vein before a more upbeat mood is struck on ‘Mood Swings’ from Mike Stern’s ‘Upside Downside’.

While the idea of seeing Jaco in other settings could well provide some interest, if there are only a couple of token examples his work with Joni Mitchell or Pat Metheny would almost certainly lend more insight than the selections here. All three of the tracks here were in fact included on 2003’s ‘Punk Jazz: The Jaco Pastorius Anthology’ alongside some of his work with Mitchell and Metheny as well recordings from the beginnings of Jaco’s career in an altogether more cohesive and informative compilation.

The only completely new material is a previously unissued recording of ‘Donna Lee’ from ‘The Birthday Concert’ session. Mainly serving the purpose of trombone feature, it feels like little more than a play through of the standard and you can see why it didn’t make the original album.

What is lacking in new material is somewhat made up for by the quality of the original albums. From the technical virtuosity of ‘Chromatic Fantasy’, to the superb ensemble sound of ‘Liberty City’ and compositional genius of ‘Three Views Of A Secret’, all facets of what made Pastorius such a fantastic musician are on show. However, they have been presented in a vaguely baffling way, presumably shifted around in order to warrant a compilation which is basically a triple album reissue of the aforementioned albums with double performances of tunes removed. The worst example of this is where ‘Chromatic Fantasy’ has been plonked carelessly between ‘Blackbird’ and ‘Word Of Mouth’, having the sole effect of destroying the intensity created by the segue on the original album. The fact that such a glaringly unmusical decision has made it onto this release is extraordinary.

A mercurial talent whose career was all too brief, you may think that there isn’t enough material in his back catalogue to warrant so many compilations. Anthology seems to lend some weight to that argument.

For a Jaco fan, there’s nothing much new here; to check out Pastorius for the first time, you’d be better off purchasing the albums separately and experiencing them as the artist intended. Joe Stoddart
Tracklist 1 :
1. Crisis 5:22
2. Blackbird 2:47
3. Chromatic Fantasy 3:19
4. Word Of Mouth 3:53
5. Three Views Of A Secret 6:09
6. John And Mary 10:53
7. Continuum 2:34
8. Liberty City 8:11
9. Soul Intro / The Chicken 8:00
10. Reza 10:36
11. Happy Birthday 1:48
Tracklist 2 :
1. Punk Jazz 4:35
2. Amerika 1:09
3. Invitation 6:42
4. Domingo 5:39
5. Sophisticated Lady 4:53
6. Fannie Mae 2:36
7. Eleven 0:25
8. Okonkole' Y Trompa 7:07
9. Nativity (Airto Moreira) 6:44
10. Mood Swings (Mike Stern) 6:06
11. Donna Lee (Previously Unreleased) 7:31    
feat: Jack DeJohnette, Mike Stern, Airto Moreira, Jaco Pastorius, Toots Thielemans, Michael Brecker, Hubert Laws, Wayne Shorter, Peter Erskine, Don Alias, Othello Molineaux, Bob Mintzer

YELLOWJACKETS — Twenty Five (2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 Celebrating the smooth jazz giant's 25th anniversary as an ensemble, Twenty Five features the Yellowjackets performing live in Paris in 2005. Showcasing the tenor sax talents of Bob Mintzer, the band also includes longtime members pianist Russell Ferrante, bassist Jimmy Haslip, and drummer Marcus Baylor. Here, the Yellowjackets run through such fan favorites as "Geraldine," "Greenhouse," and others. Also included is a live DVD performance filmed in Italy in 2005. Matt Collar
Tracklist :
1     Revelation 7:38
Russell Ferrante
2     Geraldine 9:06
Russell Ferrante
3     Jacketown 10:55
Russell Ferrante
4     Sea Folk 11:05
Russell Ferrante
5     Free Day 7:37
Marcus Baylor
6     My Old School 5:26
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
7     Greenhouse 11:08
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
8     Runferyerlife 9:39
Bob Mintzer
Credits :
Drums – Marcus Baylor
Electric Bass – Jimmy Haslip
Piano [Acoustic Piano], Synthesizer – Russell Ferrante
Producer [Produced By] – Yellowjackets
Tenor Saxophone, Electronic Wind Instrument [EWI] – Bob Mintzer

HARVIE SWARTZ — Urban Earth (1985) Vinyl LP | FLAC (tracks), lossless

Urban Earth would also be the name of bassist Harvie Swartz's short-lived group of the late '80s, but for this Gramavision release, he used an all-star lineup: altoist David Sanborn, Bob Mintzer on soprano, guitarist Mike Stern, pianist Ben Aranov, drummer Victor Lewis and percussionist Manolo Badrena. The music (five Swartz originals, "'Round Midnight," and Dave Brubeck's "The Duke") is mostly straight-ahead yet has its unpredictable and exploratory moments. In fact, there are plenty of subtle surprises throughout this relaxed yet consistently stimulating session. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. Sweet Walk 6:08
 Harvie Swartz
2. Falling 6:46
 Harvie Swartz
3. Pyramid 5:38
 Harvie Swartz
4. Until Tomorrow 6:24
 Harvie Swartz
5. The Duke 4:25
 Dave Brubeck
6. Mother Ship 6:36
 Harvie Swartz
7. Round Midnight 2:44
Thelonious Monk / Cootie Williams
Credits :
Acoustic Bass – Harvie Swartz
Alto Saxophone – David Sanborn
Drums – Victor Lewis
Guitar – Mike Stern
Percussion – Manolo Badrena
Piano – Ben Aronov
Soprano Saxophone – Bob Mintzer 

LINDA EDER — It's No Secret Anymore (1999) Two Version | FLAC 24-44.1Hz + APE (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Linda Eder's It's No Secret Anymore celebrates her pregnancy and features tracks from the musical Havana, which her husband/collaborator Frank Wildhorn wrote specifically for her. The album ranges from ballads to big band to Latin styles and includes "Anything Can Happen," a special lullaby written by Wildhorn and lyricist Jack Murphy; and "One For My Baby," the Arlen/Mercer tune made famous by Frank Sinatra. Heather Phares
Tracklist :
1.    It's No Secret Anymore 3:26
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – Kim Scharnberg
2.    You Never Remind Me 3:15
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – Kim Scharnberg
3.    Romancin' The Blues 3:57
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – Jeremy Roberts 
4.    Havana 4:02
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – Kim Scharnberg
5.    Why Do People Fall In Love? 3:40
Arranged By – Jeremy Roberts, Linda Eder
Orchestrated By – Kim Scharnberg
6.    I Guess I Love You 3:36
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – Kim Scharnberg
7.    This Time Around 4:09
Arranged By [Rhythm Arrangement] – Jeremy Roberts 
Orchestrated By – Kim Scharnberg
8.    Looks Like You Started Something 3:59
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – Kim Scharnberg
9.    Little Things 4:07
Arranged By – Jeremy Roberts, Linda Eder
10.    Even Now 4:05
Arranged By – Jeremy Roberts, Linda Eder
Orchestrated By – Kim Scharnberg
11.    Never Dance 4:35
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – Chris Hajian
12.    Vienna 6:02
Arranged By [Rhythm Arrangement] – Jeremy Roberts 
Orchestrated By – Kim Scharnberg
13.    Anything Can Happen 2:58
Arranged By [Piano] – Jeremy Roberts 
14.    One For My Baby 4:27
Lyrics By – Johnny Mercer
Music By – Harold Arlen
Credits :
Personnel includes: Linda Eder (vocals); Kim Scharnberg, Jeremy Roberts (conductor); Peter Calo (guitar); Robert Bush (flute); Shelly Woodworth (oboe, English horn); Carl Herman (clarinet); Tom Sescovic (bassoon); Bob Mintzer, Charlie Pillow (saxophone); Randy Brecker, Jim Hynes (trumpet); Birch Johnson, Larry Farrell (trombone); Philip Myers, Bob Carlisle (French horn); Jeremy Roberts (piano, keyboards, programming); David Finck (bass); Mark Walker (drums); Gordon Gottlieb, Steve Kroon (percussion); Will Lee, Russell Velzquez (background vocals).

MARILYN SCOTT – Avenues of Love (1998) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

A top-notch adult contemporary vocalist still awaiting a well-deserved crossover commercial breakthrough, Marilyn Scott adds powerful fuel to her cause on Avenues of Love by helping herself with a well-balanced array of production and songwriting talent. George Duke surrounds her with party voices and a kneejerking Latin groove on a playful list of dance steps on "I Like to Dance," then surrounds her clear, sensuous voice with airy, billowing synth cushioning on the Bacharach-David classic "The Look of Love." Scott and bassist Jimmy Haslip reroute to Memphis on Michael Ruff's Wilson Pickett-like pick me up, "Love Is a Powerful Thing," engaging a two-piece horn section that sounds even larger. The Yellowjacket touch is in full effect on the picturesque "Avenida del Sol," which approximates an update of the gentle Astrud Gilberto sound; the tune was written by Scott and Bob Mintzer, and produced by Scott, Haslip, and Russell Ferrante. Scott's greatest gift here is her sense of modulation; she belts like crazy on the funk pieces, but recognizes the emotional power of restraint on the ballads. Jonathan Widran 
Tracklist :
1.    Starting to Fall    4:47
 George Duke / Marilyn Scott 
2.    I Like to Dance    5:00
 George Duke / Bob Mintzer / Marilyn Scott 
3.    Avenida del Sol    4:27
 Bob Mintzer / Marilyn Scott 
4.    The Look of Love    5:38
 Burt Bacharach / Hal David 
5.    Heaven's Design    5:53
 Bobby McFerrin 
6.    Love is a Powerful Thing    4:30
 Michael Ruff 
7.    Hold You Up    5:34
 Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / Marilyn Scott 
8.    Hey Love    6:16
 Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / Marilyn Scott 
9.    Get Home    5:45
 Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / Marilyn Scott 
10.    The Last Day    3:38
 John Ewbank / Brenda Russell 
Credits :
Bob Mintzer - Composer, Guest Artist, Horn
Brandon Fields, Steve Allen - Saxophone
Fred Washington - Bass
George Duke - Bass, Bass Programming, Composer, Executive Producer, Guest Artist, Keyboards, Piano, Producer, Vocal Producer
Jimmy Haslip - Bass, Composer, Producer
Joe Heredia - Drums
Lori Perry - Arranger, Vocal Arrangement, Vocals (Background), Voices
Marilyn Scott - Composer, Primary Artist, Producer, Vocals, Vocals (Background)
Michael Landau, Mike Miller, Ray Fuller - Guitar
Michael Ruff - Composer, Keyboards, Vocals (Background)
Paul Jackson, Jr. - Guest Artist, Guitar
Paulinho Da Costa - Guest Artist, Percussion
Rafael Padilla - Percussion
Ralph Rickert - Trumpet
Russell Ferrante - Arranger, Composer, Keyboards, Producer
Take 6 - Guest Artist
Walt Fowler - Horn
William Kennedy - Drums
Yellowjackets - Guest Artist
Alvin Chea, Sharon Perry, Carolyn Perry, Darlene Perry, David Porter Thomas, David Powell,  Lynn Davis, Richard Montgomery, Lisa Horton, Jim Gilstrap, Mary Turner, Maxayn Lewis - Vocals (Background) Voices 

YELLOWJACKETS — Lifecycle (2008) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The Yellowjackets needed a guest guitarist, who would be the best person for the job? Pat Metheny would be an excellent choice, as would Al di Meola, John McLaughlin, Larry Coryell, or John Scofield. Well, the Yellowjackets did hire a guest guitarist for Lifecycle -- an excellent and well-known guitarist, in fact -- and they feature him extensively on this 2008 release. The guitarist is Mike Stern, who enjoys a strong rapport with the Yellowjackets' 2008 lineup: Russell Ferrante on acoustic piano and electric keyboards, Jimmy Haslip on electric bass, Bob Mintzer on tenor and soprano sax and bass clarinet, and Marcus Baylor on drums and percussion. Stern and the Yellowjackets are a perfectly logical combination -- especially in light of the hell-bent-for-jazz direction the Yellowjackets have favored since 1991's Greenhouse. With Greenhouse (which was Mintzer's first album with the outfit), Ferrante and Haslip made it clear that they wanted the Yellowjackets to be considered a serious, heavy-duty jazz combo instead of a group that pandered to smooth jazz stations. That isn't to say that the Yellowjackets' 1980s output lacks merit -- many of their '80s recordings are quite creative -- but with Greenhouse, Ferrante and Haslip really emphasized their Weather Report/Miles Davis/Return to Forever heritage. And that mindset continues to serve the Yellowjackets well 17 years later on Lifecycle. Jazz purists and bop snobs, of course, would argue that if you use electric instruments and have been influenced by rock or funk in any way, you aren't playing jazz, but the truth is that Stern and the Yellowjackets do bring a serious jazz improviser's mentality to engaging tracks like Haslip's bluesy "Country Living," Mintzer's mysterious "Falken's Maze," and Ferrante's probing, somewhat John Coltrane-ish "Measure of a Man." With its blend of electric and acoustic instruments, Lifecycle is relevant to both fusion and post-bop -- and it is also proof that collaborating with Stern was a very wise move for the Yellowjackets. Alex Henderson
Tracklist : 
1    Falken's Maze 6:25
Written-By – B. Mintzer
2    Country Living 6:24
Written-By – J. Haslip
3    Double Nickel 6:42
Written-By – M.Stern
4    Dreams Go 6:49
Written-By – M.Stern
5    Measure Of A Man 7:33
Written-By – R.Ferrante
6    Yahoo 4:52
Written-By – B. Mintzer
7    I Wonder 6:01
Written-By – B. Mintzer
8    3 Circles 7:30
Written-By – B. Mintzer, J. Haslip, M. Baylor, R.Ferrante
9    Claire's Closet 5:05
Written-By – R.Ferrante
10    Lazaro 5:15
Programmed By [Programming], Sequenced By [Sequencing] – Jimmy Haslip
Written-By – B. Mintzer, J. Haslip
Credits :
Marcus Baylor - Drums, Percussion
Russell Ferrante - Keyboards, Percussion, Piano
Jimmy Haslip - Bass (Electric),
Bob Mintzer - Clarinet, Clarinet (Bass), Sax (Soprano), Sax (Tenor)
Jerry Mitkowski : Piano Technician
Mike Stern : Featured Guitar

NNENNA FREELON — Maiden Voyage (1998) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Nnenna Freelon's fifth CD should establish her as one of the top jazz singers of the 1990s. Rather than stick to typical jazz standards, she explore women's songs (or at least lyrics) from many fields of music. Her compelling interpretation of the title track, with its infrequently heard lyric by Mrs. Herbie Hancock, is followed by a hypnotic original lyric written by Freelon for Marian McPartland's "Threnody," titled "Sepia Wing" in its vocal incarnation. One of the more unusual songs selected is folk singer Buffy Saint-Marie's "Until It's Time for You to Go"; Freelon drastically rearranged this tune by changing the melody line and adding an uptempo vamp, and Bob Mintzer's soprano sax accents are also a nice touch. The moody lament written by the late Laura Nyro, "Buy and Sell," is also an intriguing chart by the singer. Of course, she's no slouch with standard Broadway fare either, as her lively duet with guitarist Joe Beck proves. Ken Dryden

Tracklist :

1 Come Into My Life 5:22

Written-By – Nona Hendryx

2 Four Women 4:54

Written-By – Nina Simone

3 Maiden Voyage 8:26

Lyrics By – Jean Hancock

Music By – Herbie Hancock

Piano – Herbie Hancock

4 Buy And Sell 5:29

Written-By – Laura Nyro

5 Future News Blues 4:43

Written-By – Nnenna Freelon

6 Until It's Time For You To Go 6:00

Written-By – Buffy Sainte-Marie

7 Women Be Wise 8:08

Written-By – Sippie Wallace

8 Sepia Wing 5:46

Lyrics By – Nnenna Freelon

Music By – Marian McPartland

9 Pick Yourself Up 4:09

Lyrics By – Dorothy Fields

Music By – Jerome Kern

10 I Won't Dance 4:33

Lyrics By – Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh, Oscar Hammerstein II, Otto Harbach

Music By – Jerome Kern

11 Inside A Silent Tear 4:30

Lyrics By – Linda Albert

Music By – Blossom Dearie

12 Sing Me Down 4:18

Written-By – Nnenna Freelon

Credits :

Bass Clarinet – Bob Mintzer (tracks: 2, 4, 7)
Cello – Jesse Levy (tracks: 2, 4)
Double Bass – Avishai Cohen (tracks: 1-6, 12), Peter Washington (tracks: 8, 10, 11)
Drums – Clarence Penn (tracks: 8, 10, 11), Danny Gottlieb (tracks: 1-6, 12)
Flute – Dave Valentin (tracks: 8, 10)
Guitar – Joe Beck (tracks: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12)
Percussion – Sammy Figueroa (tracks: 1-6, 8, 10, 11, 12)
Piano – Michael Abene (tracks: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12)
Soprano Saxophone – Bob Mintzer (tracks: 1, 6)
Tenor Saxophone – Dick Oatts (tracks: 10, 11)
Trombone – Ed Neumeister (tracks: 10)
Vocals – Nnenna Freelon

YELLOWJACKETS — Timeline (2011) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Contemporary jazz ensemble Yellowjackets' 2011 Mack Avenue debut, Timeline features the band's longstanding knack for straddling the line between smooth jazz and more cerebral post-bop stuff. Marking the group's 30 years in the business, the album is a perfect mix of low-key, soulful moments and more funky, angular jazz. In that sense, it's a perfect balance of what the band has done throughout its career. Showcased here are members saxophonist Bob Mintzer, keyboardist Russell Ferrante, bassist Jimmy Haslip, and drummer Will Kennedy, as well as guests guitarist Robben Ford and trumpeter John Daversa. Ultimately, with tracks like the disarmingly knotty opener "Why Is It," the expansive "Tenacity," and the ruminative R&B-infused title track, Timeline reveals Yellowjackets as a band in a seemingly reinvigorated and creative state of mind. Not a bad place to be at 30. Matt Collar

Tracklist :
1     Why is It 5:04
Bob Mintzer
2     Tenacity 6:07
Bob Mintzer
Trumpet – John Daversa
3     Rosemary 4:54
W. Kennedy
4     Timeline 5:11
R. Ferrante
5     Magnolia 4:36
R. Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
Guitar – Robben Ford
6     A Single Step 7:05
R. Ferrante
7     Indivisible 5:22
R. Ferrante
8     Like Elvin 5:32
Bob Mintzer
Trumpet – John Daversa
9     My Soliloquy 6:22
Bob Mintzer
10     Numerology 5:56
R. Ferrante
11     I Do 6:00
R. Ferrante
Credits :
Bass – Jimmy Haslip
Drums, Keyboards – Will Kennedy
Piano, Keyboards – Russell Ferrante
Producer – Yellowjackets
Tenor Saxophone, Sopranino Saxophone, Bass Clarinet – Bob Mintzer