Dwain

• Parallel Motion by Yellowjackets is an album with much to offer that takes the listener in many different directions throughout. The album has many different grooves, time signatures, arranged sections and unique melodies throughout. The album is very well-arranged from start to finish and everything done here is intentional. We get a feel for that right off the bat with the opener “Intrigue” and it continues into the mixed-meter selection of “Challenging Times” which seems like due to the complex meter might be more fun to play than to listen to. There are some really nice grooves on the album and spots where the group does get to open up a little bit more such as “Parallel Motion”, “Samaritan” and “Resilience”.

• The album does seem to get a little too caught up in the strict arrangements and sometimes limits the songs from really growing because they are so locked into what is written on the paper in front of them. The track “Onyx Manor” suffers from this the most. A track capable of being one of the best on the album with its melody, feel, and sonic intrigue is just ever shifting before really allowing the listener and the group to settle into the prior idea. If there is something that can be both a good and bad aspect of this album, it’s the arrangement of each tune. While the compositional aspects are well-written, well played and usually interesting from the group, the album starts to become over-arranged at points where sometimes I think they could let go of some of the strict arrangement and really allow some of these grooves to stretch out and for them to really interact with each other in an organic way.

• The tracks on the album are all very unique and even though it is nine tracks it does not start to feel repetitive at any points. The playing on the album is great and they are obviously dialed in together and with the material. Parallel Motion shows us what Yellowjackets still have to offer the jazz landscape and is worth checking out for yourself and forming your own opinion. Should it win the Grammy for best instrumental album? Maybe not.

Overall score: 7.1/10

Max

• This latest Grammy-nominated release from ‘the’ Yellowjackets incorporates interesting compositional techniques, intriguing grooves, and moments of soloistic stretching. Many of these tunes capture an array of musical elements that coincide with the usual sound we’d expect from this ensemble that has been making a splash since the 1970’s. The group has always staked their version of fusion jazz and ran with it. The music here is well-arranged and usually intriguing, as can be witnessed on the opening track, accurately titled “Intrigue.” We receive more fascination with the mixed meter present in “Challenging Times.” The neat grooves and melodies on “Resilience” and “Samaritan” maintain such intrigue and interest. “Parallel Motion,” the title track, comes across as an expected vibe from Yellowjackets, as well as the closer named “Early.”

• “Onyx Manor” is hip at times, yet has two many sections, compositionally speaking. It’s like a big band chart that has gone off the rails. Speaking of big bands, it seems as if many of the tunes' arrangements are informed by Mintzer’s extensive big band history and his original compositions and arrangements for the jazz big band format. It works most of the time, yet can be musically interruptive. I think having as many solo transitions and almost ‘soli’-like sections in these arrangements paints its use as overdone. Simply put, I wish there was just a little more stretching from soloists. To the album’s credit, there is a considerable amount of features from bassist Dane Anderson and keyboardist Russell Ferrante. Unfortunately, there is no drum solo on the record from WIll Kennedy. Also, a couple of Bob Mintzer’s saxophone solos are too short. These moments where there is seemingly a lack of emphasis on improvisation deserves a demerit, in my estimation. In addition, while the tune “II Mio Amico” is a nice soprano sax feature for Mintzer and actually includes some lengthier solos, I’m not enamored with its melody or feel. I think vocal guest Jean Baylor of The Baylor Project adds a lot to “If You Believe,” yet I’m not sure if the tune’s overall approach does much for me. Its lightful floatiness and openness is a lot less pleasing than I imagine it intends to be. On another note, I would have appreciated a swing-feel section or song. The album seems lacking without one even though we know that’s not the Yellowjackets’ usual vibe.

• Parallel Motion is a solid representation of ‘the’ Yellowjackets and what they have to offer. An array of compositional techniques are used, displaying the vastness of Bob Mintzer’s arrangement skills. It’s a solid recording with great contributions from each member. Some grooves are great, while at other moments, the groove comes across as bland or basic. The over-emphasis on arrangement and the use of different time-feels tends to be a drag when it’s accompanied by a lack of improvisation. Some more in-the-moment interactions would elevate some of these compositions as well. Overall, I also get the sense that some of this music could be categorized as ‘white-man jazz’ (take that as you will). Basically, I just would appreciate a little more improvisational stretching. I want them to get out of their own way and let the groove speak for itself. The album definitely deserves some attention and the grammy nomination, yet it won’t be found on my record shelf.

Overall score: 6.8/10