Yellowjackets: Bob Mintzer (clarinet, bass clarinet, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone, EWI); Russell Ferrante (piano, keyboards, percussion); Jimmy Haslip (electric bass, programming, sequencer); Marcus Baylor (drums, percussion). Audio Mixer: Rich Breen . Recording information: BiCoastal Music, Ossining, NY. Yellowjackets were once considered pioneers of the smooth jazz sound, the mellow approach to fusion. To a degree, that's true. But since the early '90s, Yellowjackets has favored a slightly more assertive approach, inspired the grandparents of fusion--Miles Davis, Weather Report, the electric side of Chick Corea. Saxophonist Bob Mintzer can be mellow or fiery, and, speaking of fire, the Jackets are joined here by fusion guitar ace Mike Stern. With its creative balance of electric and acoustic instrumentation, fusion, bebop and a touch of blues, LIFECYCLE proves that Yellowjackets aren't merely a groovy background-music combo.
