Search - Yellowjackets :: Greenhouse

One of the best Fusion Albums of the '90s

Brian Whistler | Forestville, CA United States | 06/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Look, Yellowjackets got a bad rep they don't deserve. True, they started off as a more rock oriented fuzak unit but the good news is, they grew up. This CD is the proof of that assertion. Ferrante proved himself to be a fine composer and with the addition of Bob Mintzer's ballsy tenor, this unit finally pulled away from the smooth jazz arena they had languished in. Not to disparage the other guy, but in the end, he was a lick player. Mintzer is the real deal, a jazz player with a big vocabulary who really knows his stuff. And he can write! And arrange.



This is a mature effort with not a single dud track. None other than Vince Mendoza did the string arrangments and for those in doubt, these are NOT empty sweetening, but amazingly challenging and creative parts that augment the tunes without getting in the way or diluting quartet sound. And William Kennedy is simply the best drummer around for this kind of music. He makes it all feel great. As Gary Burton once said, "you only sound as good as your drummer." No wonder the 'Jackets never sounded better. When they lost William, they lost their heartbeat.



Pity this is out of print. It is one for the ages, and easily the most ambitious and best Yellowjackets recording of their entire output. This is NOT timid jazz."

Induction of Bobby

David H. Ferguson | Brighton, Colorado United States | 02/18/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is another well written group of compositions from the YJ's
Exit Mr. Russo( sorry to see you leave... thanks for the memories) Enter Mr. Mintzer(I hope the spelling is correct) who has brought a darker sound to some of the compositions (in a good way) This CD has some very breath taking moments... which is the norm. for these guys. I have picked up everything since Four Corners, and have been very satisfied with all of them."

Love it!

D. Olson | 05/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not a musician, composer etc. so I cannot say anything more technical than - Absolutely wonderful!

Got to be one of the best Jazz CD's I own."