A Rise in the Road

I was very excited a the prospect of hearing a new bassist integrate into the YJ soundscape. Jimmy Haslip had been a such a major component since the beginning. So for the son of the legendary Jaco Pastorious - Felix to join the ranks, I was REALLY looking forward to hearing how things would differ.To be honest, I listened to the album a few times and don't miss it. To me it feels like Felix has been placed in a corner and been told to fit into the box. (Including his general tone) I've seen live youtubes where he gets a chance to really shine and he has this 'modern fusion bass tone' which is usually quite middy. But on the album, he's been pulled back a lot and I would hazard a guess, been told to have similar tone to Jimmy. As a bassist, I have modelled my own tone on the likes of JH, so I do't mind the similarities at all. There is also a risk of alienating fans with something radically different. For me, that's part of the problem, whilst I am a huge fan of the YJ and their sound, I think things are starting to sound dare I say it - samey?The compositions are nice to good and clearly these guys are incredible musicians and tight as a unit. I think I they erred on the side of caution with this one. It's a good album, but it not one of their best IMO. I will always be a fan and look forward to the next album with Felix more integrated into the band with HIS sound.

It takes me a while to fully appreciate a new cd and I am still listening to this Yellowjacket offering. I do like it very much and truthfully was caught off-guard by that fact because I don't have any of their music. Many of the tunes have already impressed me. Would highly recommend this cd to someone who likes jazz. Good stuff

i like this record very much: contemporary mainstream jazz with piece of tradition and modern ingredients. Their sax player really shines

Bought without any knowledge and lives up to expectations.

The usual ! These guys are great musicians. Modern jazz at it's very best !

Good value

Another top class cd from one of the worlds most talented bands... thanks boys

I've got most of the Yellowjackt's albums and am totally amazed at how the are able to find a way to raise the bar on their next album. They amaze me.