Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Yellowjackets: Altered State
Yellowjackets: Altered State
ByThis distinctive approach is evident from the start of their new album, Altered State. With eleven tracks clocking in at an hour, and brilliant Peter Max artwork on the cover, this album is as good asif not better thananything the group has ever done. And that says a lot considering such past efforts as Blue Hats, Dreamland, Four Corners, Time Squared, Run For Your Life, and Mint Jam, among many others.
The title is inspired in part by a Peter Max painting commissioned by the Yellowjackets. Max, whose style defined much of the pop art sensibilities of the 1960s, provided inspiration for the Beatles film Yellow Submarine and has been a longtime fan of the 'Jackets. The quartet of Mintzer, Ferrante, Jimmy Haslip, and Marcus Baylor is in true form from start to finish. And they're joined by a chorus of vocalists, featuring Baylor's wife, Jean.
Typical of the Yellowjackets, the new album is loaded with odd meters, beautiful melodies, and evocative harmonies. As if to prove the point, Altered State opens with Ferrante's "Suite 15, played at fifteen beats per bar. Jean Baylor, who appeared on the group's most recent studio outings, Time Squared and Peace Round, leads on "The Hope, backed by the Perry sisters: Sharon, Lori, Carolyn and Darlene. It is one of the few Yellowjackets songs that have lyrics. Mrs. Baylor co-wrote the piece with Ferrante and Haslip.
"Jean writes beautiful lyrics, and she's a wonderful singer, Mintzer says. "Just having her on board and in the family has enabled the Yellowjackets to craft these kinds of tunes around her and what she does.
Ferrante ventures into the odd-time realm again with "Hunter's Point, a slick piece that features some sensational rhythms and leads by Mintzer, Haslip and Marcus Baylor. However, despite the technical aspects, the music accomplishes the band's goal of creating a sound that's challenging, accessible, and entertaining. This is evident in Mintzer's "Mother Earth, as well as Haslip's funk-driven "Youth Eternal, Marcus Baylor's "Free Day, and Mintzer's moody "Cross Current.
Of course, all the songs are excellent. Otherwise, Altered State just wouldn't be a Yellowjackets album. Fans have come to expect that of these players. And on the new album, they deliver in superb fashion.
Track Listing
Suite 15; March Majestic; The Hope; Hunter Point; Mother Earth; Youth Eternal; Free Day; Cross Current; Aha; 57 Chevy; Unity.
Personnel
Yellowjackets
band / ensemble / orchestraBob Mintzer
saxophoneMarcus Baylor
drumsJimmy Haslip
bassRussell Ferrante
keyboardsMike Shapiro
drumsAlbum information
Title: Altered State | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Heads Up International
< Previous
Luc's Lantern
Next >
Come Escape with Me
Comments
About Yellowjackets
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
Related Articles | Concerts | Albums | Photos | Similar To