Like a River

Yellowjackets: Bob Mintzer (soprano & tenor saxophones, bass clarinet, EWI); Russell Ferrante (piano, synthesizers); Jimmy Haslip (bass); William Kennedy (drums).
Additional personnel: Bill Gables (vocals); Tim Hagens (trumpet); Steve Cross (Synclavier); Nana Vasconcelos (percussion, vocals); Judd Miller (EWI programming).
Recorded at Conway Recording Studios, Los Angeles, California in April 1992.
All songs written or co-written by members of the Yellowjackets.
Personnel: Jimmy Haslip (vocals, 6-string bass); Naná Vasconcelos (vocals, percussion); Bill Gable (vocals); Bob Mintzer (bass clarinet, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone, EWI); Tim Hagans (trumpet); Russell Ferrante (piano, synthesizer); Steve Croes (Synclavier); Judd Miller (EWI, programming); William Kennedy (drums).
Audio Mixers: Michael Verdick; Mick Guzauski.
Photographer: Richard Laird.
Unknown Contributor Role: Judd Miller.
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