Time Squared

Time Squared

The title track to a supreme effort from the 'Jackets is quite interesting taken in perspective with the band's history. It is a decidedly late-'70s fusion-styled jam, a reminder that this band was there, a bridge between late-fusion, '80s smooth jazz and progressive 21st century contemporary jazz. A two year respite from the studio has rejuvenated this quartet, particularly composer and keyboard player, Russell Ferrante. Quality songwriting and spectacular soloing is nothing new from this veteran group, but something--let's call it the enjoyment level, for both the players and the listeners--is much higher than their last few studio releases. The sharp, crisp drumming on "Monk's Habit" and the go-go rhythms on "Go-Go" suggest that new member Marcus Baylor has added a freshness to the band. There's so much good music on these 11 tracks, that even after 20 plus years and many great albums, history may record <I>Time Squared</I> as the definitive Yellowjackets album. <I>--Mark Ruffin</I>