Altered State

The Yellowjackets' music has a sense of something beautiful to it. Even their most complex pieces are easy to entreat. When one speaks of a band's sound, more often than not, and desirably so, one speaks of an element that sets the band apart from all the rest. The Yellowjackets possess such a sound. Regardless of the variety in song style and composition (and to their credit, there is much of that), their sound is readily identifiable, owing as much to tonal quality as to musical choices of individual players. Having said this, Altered State is a fine example of creative freedom among seasoned musicians within a musical environment that holds high the hierarchical paradigm of musician serving the song. In short, the playing is tasteful and delights the senses. This is not "smooth jazz" if that category fits bands such as The Rippingtons for instance. There is no resemblance between the two for while The Yellowjackets may make a pleasant sound, their music is challenging and while it has deep pockets, the pocket often surprises that part of us that asks "what time signature is that?" The music that this band makes can and does touch an emotional chord on such songs as 'The Hope' but accomplishes the same on tunes without vocals via masterful melodies and thoughtful chordal voicing and arrangements. If it's sophistication you seek in your jazz, then by all means, get Altered State by this unique and easy to embrace group of musicians. You will be glad you did.

I'm probably preaching to the choir here, since everyone who loves Yellowjackets already knows that these guys are at the top of their game. The only question you might have is, is this latest album as good the rest? My answer is yes. Possibly their best yet. I immediately dug the opening piano lick on track 1, though I found the bridge puzzling and bizarre. The rest of the tracks I wasn't sure about for a while, but I just let it ride. Now, at about the 50th playing, I can confidently say I truly love this album. My current favorite is track 4, Hunter's Point, a polyrythmic composition which just oozes with goodness from Ferrante's Rhodes playing. Overall, this album is another masterpiece.Maybe it's because I'm a keyboard player, or maybe it's just that he's that good, but whatever the reason, Russell Ferrante touches my soul deeply. He, and Lyle Mays and Keith Jarret, are in my opinion, the greatest keyboard players on the planet. Sometimes I suspect Russell is not *from* this planet. Maybe he's from the place called Heaven. All I know is he takes me there.

Once again, the Yellowjackets come through with some first ratematerial. They seem to have a unique blend of "straight-ahead"jazz sensibilities combined with a little fusion and contemporary styles. The musicianship of all of the members of the band is incredible, and the compositional skills of Ferrante,Mintzer and Haslip are excellent as well. The music comes away sounding very "comfortable" and well-tuned. I've been a 'Jackets fan for some time now, and have all but one of their CD's, and "Altered State" is definitely part of the catalog !!! And, as always, the recording engineering is outstanding, and will definitely bring out the best ( or worst),of your audio system. Enjoy !

In SACD 5.1 Multichannel this recording is awesome. I have always enjoyed Yellowjackets and I am pleased with the Heads Up Label for their Sarround Sound recording. Nice Job !!

I just got this album today. I'm a huge Yellowjackets fan but I've gotta say that this album is DULL. The writing just isn't inspired. They're all great musicians so the playing is fine. The tunes are bland.Sorry, 'Jackets. Not your best album.

Great SACD -fast shipping - thanks!

Jazz as only Yellowjackets can deliver!

Love this band. Gift for a friend.

SACD を購入のはずが通常のCDが届いた

Disco all'altezza degli altri di Yellowjackets , forse l'incisione un pò sotto lamedia a cui ci siamo abituati ma comunque ottima e godibile.Ancora bravissimi i musicisti.

Thanks so much the cd came and it plays and sound beautiful. Trusted seller