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Like a River (1993) is the ninth studio album (10th overall) from the jazz group Yellowjackets, and their fifth studio album (sixth overall) for GRP Records. The album was nominated for “Best Contemporary Jazz Recording” Grammy Award.The album reached a peak position of number three on Billboard’s Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart.

Reception

AllMusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 4.5 stars and stated:”Other than the easy-listening pieces that appear near the beginning of the program, this is one of The Yellowjackets’ strongest jazz dates. Bob Mintzer’s creative reeds (switching between tenor, bass clarinet, soprano and the EWI) keep the music stimulating and keyboardist Russell Ferrante has come a long way as both an improviser (where he is most influenced by Herbie Hancock) and as the band’s main composer. With bassist Jimmy Haslip and drummer William Kennedy in strong supporting roles, the ensemble plays intelligent funk grooves, some mood music and occasional sections of straightahead jamming. The inclusion of the Miles Davis-influenced trumpeter Tim Hagans on half of the selections adds variety to a particularly enjoyable set.”

Track listing
1. “Man Facing North” Russell Ferrante, Jimmy Haslip, William Kennedy, Bob Mintzer 6:28
2. “My Old School” Ferrante, Haslip 7:13
3. “River Waltz” Ferrante, Haslip, Kennedy 6:00
4. “Dewey” (for Miles) Ferrante, Haslip 5:40
5. “Memoirs” Mintzer 6:19
6. “Azure Moon” Ferrante, Haslip 6:02
7. “Sueños” Bill Gable, Ferrante, Haslip 6:35
8. “1998” Ferrante, Haslip, Kennedy 6:58
9. “Sandstone” Ferrante, Haslip, Kennedy 5:29
10. “Solitude” Ferrante 5:04

Personnel
Yellowjackets:

Russell Ferrante – acoustic piano, synthesizers
Jimmy Haslip – 6-string bass, Tobias semi-hollow body electric bass, vocals
Will Kennedy – drums
Bob Mintzer – soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone, bass clarinet, EWI

Guest Musicians:

Steve Croes – Synclavier
Naná Vasconcelos – percussion, vocals
Judd Miller – EWI programming
Tim Hagens – trumpet
Bill Gable – vocals

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Released: January 19, 1993
Recorded: April 1992
Studios:
Conway Studios (Hollywood, California)
The Complex (Los Angeles, California)
Length: 61:48
Label: GRP
Producer: Yellowjackets