After several strong smooth jazz albums, this album marked the beginning of their the group's transition to more "serious" traditional straight-ahead jazz. The critics and hardcore fans loved the new direction. We smooth jazz aficionados did not (and be "we" I mean me). Oh well, despite the addition or strings and a focus on more acoustic instruments, there are a few good tunes here because while the approach was changing, the group still consisted of writers who knew the value of a good melody. The musicians work hard and I'd go see them in concert if they were appearing nearby. Not a bad album by any means, but I'll continue to favor the group's '80s output.
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| CashBox, March 30, 1991, p. 6 |
Album chart peaks:
- US Billboard 200: Did not chart
- Billboard Contemporary Jazz: #1
- Cashbox Contemporary Jazz: #1
Tracks: My picks for this album include Freedomland, Seven Stars, Liam/Rain Dance, and the Methenyish Invisible People. Skip the rambling, self-indulgent title track.
Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None
Previously revisited for the blog:
Collection (1995)
Like A River (1993)
Politics (1988)
Mirage à Trois (1983)
Though I admit being a fan of the Yellowjackets since their first album, I did bail on them before this one came out. So this will be my first time listening to it. Wish me luck.
ReplyDeleteMaybe its the time of day or my lack of shirt, sittin' out back watching the sun go down, but none of the songs have grabbed me at all. Only four songs in and sticking with it.
DeleteWhile none of the songs immediately grabbed me, several did have me humming along so ol' HERC starred this album for future listening.
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