The tunes on 'A Rise in the Road' are Yellowjacket-certified complex - laden with knuckle-busting time signatures and high-wire musicianship yet maintain a connection with the listener with every note, every bar and each successive song. Felix Pastorius joins the band on bass and replaces founding member Jimmy Haslip. Russell Ferrante, Will Kennedy and Bob Mintzer make up the group and along with guest trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, display an almost telepathic interplay across this collection of all-new tunes. <p>'A Rise in the Road' is a 10-track study that burnishes the group's sterling reputation for high quality tonal explorations and ensemble execution. Produced by Ferrante, Mintzer and Kennedy, the album stands shoulder-to-shoulder with their 21 previous efforts. "It's about the challenges that people face in their lives and whatever path they are on, explains Ferrante. "The music changes to accommodate new people. We're really pleased with the way 'A Rise in the Road' came out."</p> <p>Felix Pastorius is the son of legendary jazz bassist Jaco Pastorius, best known for his affiliation with jazz-fusion supergroup, Weather Report. Mintzer was familiar with Felix Pastorius as a top-flight musician, having sat in as a guest performer in the Jeff Coffin Mu'tet where Felix was the bassist.</p> <p>Personnel: Russell Ferrante (piano, keyboards), Bob Mintzer (saxophone), William Kennedy (drums, keyboards), Felix Pastorius (bass), Ambrose Akinmusire (trumpet - 3, 4, 8)</p>
